JA Is Really Newsworthy!
Give them the power to pursue their dreams
Our Blog
Celebrating Entrepreneurship: A Journey with Brandon Pratt
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
In honor of National Entrepreneurship Month, this blog post highlights the inspiring journey of Brandon Pratt, founder of Lion Development Group and Gravy Train Restaurant Group. Brandon's entrepreneurial spirit began in his childhood, influenced by his father’s work ethic. Overcoming early challenges, including skepticism due to his youth, Brandon built a successful career driven by a desire to...
2024 Entrepreneurship Month Spotlight: Matt Orvick – A Journey from Corporate Life to Business Ownership
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
This blog post provides a comprehensive look at Matt Orvick’s entrepreneurial journey, highlights his challenges, motivations, and advice, while also incorporating the broader theme of financial education through Junior Achievement. It’s designed to both inform and inspire readers interested in entrepreneurship. Let me know if you’d like to adjust or expand any part of...
Junior Achievement Expands Impact in Cedar Rapids Schools
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is expanding its presence in Cedar Rapids schools by offering more programs focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to equip students with essential skills for their future careers and personal growth. Through hands-on learning, local youth will gain practical knowledge about budgeting, career pathways, and...
Empowering Future Innovators: How Junior Achievement Educates Students About Entrepreneurship
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
The blog post highlights the essential role of Junior Achievement (JA) in promoting entrepreneurial education among students, especially during Entrepreneurship Month in November. JA equips young people with vital skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship through engaging, hands-on...
Teens Want Financial Literacy Education, But Many Schools Don’t Offer It
Blog from JA USA
By Kelsey Matzinger
Financial Literacy
While the demand for financial literacy education is high among teens, the availability of such courses is disappointingly low. Junior Achievement continues to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive programs that equip students with essential life...
Reawakening the American Dream: Homeownership for Generation Z
Blog from JA USA
By Kelsey Matzinger
Financial Literacy
For over a century, owning a home has been synonymous with the American Dream. Since the 1890s, when homebuilders first linked homeownership with the promise of prosperity, generations of Americans have aspired to build wealth and create legacies through owning their own homes. However, recent trends reveal significant challenges facing young adults in achieving this...
Grad Nation: If Not College, Then What?
Blog from JA USA
By Kelsey Matzinger
Work Readiness
For decades, earning a four-year college degree has been seen as the key to upward mobility. However, rising college costs and increasing student debt are causing many to question the value of a college...
Summer Jobs = Career Readiness
Blog from JA USA
By Kelsey Matzinger
Work Readiness
Summer is a season often synonymous with relaxation and leisure for many teenagers. However, an increasing number of teens are leveraging this break from school to gain valuable work experience through summer jobs. These opportunities not only provide immediate benefits but also prepare young people for success in a global...
Junior Achievement's Impact on Keegan and Kris Murray, NBA Stars
By Quintin Becker
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is excited to share how we were a part of the Murray family's journey as a basketball...
Unlocking Opportunities: Preparing Teens for an AI Future
Blog from JA USA
By Kelsey Matzinger
Work Readiness
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has swiftly become a driving force reshaping our world. From enhancing educational experiences to revolutionizing industries, its impact is profound and far-reaching. Yet, amidst the promises of innovation, questions arise, particularly among young people, about the future of work and the career paths that will remain resilient in an increasingly AI-driven...
