Junior Achievement of San Diego County : Empowering Students
JA San Diego works with a diverse population of students from across the socio-economic spectrum. We deliver JA programs through implementation methods that address the specific needs of our community and schools. JA San Diego has innovatively transformed our traditional in-class and on-site programs into virtual classrooms and online learning platforms. We curate JA programs to best engage and inspire local youth.
WHY JA
Recognizing the growing disparity between student debt and viable career pathways combined with the EDC’s forecast of thousands of jobs that may remain unfilled, JA San Diego continues to focus on opportunities that better prepare – and connect – San Diego’s students with future careers.
About one in five students in San Diego County does not graduate from high school and only 52% of high school graduates are college ready, as per data from the California Department of Education. JA programs have become increasingly more relevant as schools are placing a stronger emphasis on career readiness. In an ever-changing economy and job market, students need to gain a better understanding of the career opportunities that exist and how to obtain them.
Using experiential curriculum and a network of industry mentors, JA San Diego allows students of all learning styles to thrive and learn important life lessons. This, in turn, reinforces the value of staying in school and drives rising high school and college graduation rates in our community.
We recognize many of our neighbors have been historically disenfranchised and continue to be underrepresented in San Diego’shigh-growth industries. Hispanics represent for 34% of the San Diego population, yet Hispanics account for 17% of workers in the innovation economy.
JA San Diego is making intentional efforts to provide programming that economically empowers young people. Engaging with communities that have been underserved by providing access to social and financial capital is integral to building an equitable future in which all people can thrive.
CORE VALUES
Believe in the boundless potential of young people
Advocate for the impact of relevant, hands, on learning
Teach principled, market-based economics and entrepreneurship that build a more sustainable world
Approach our work with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence
Seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents in our staff, volunteers, and board members to reflect the geographies and communities we serve
Nurture the power of partnership and collaboration
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
We at Junior Achievement are dedicated to providing a positive, enriching learning experience free of bias that promotes greater economic opportunity and equity. Junior Achievement welcomes K-12 students, volunteers, educators, staff, and other partners and stakeholders, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic.
JA HISTORY
We at Junior Achievement are dedicated to providing a positive, enriching learning experience free of bias that promotes greater economic opportunity and equity. Junior Achievement welcomes K-12 students, volunteers, educators, staff, and other partners and stakeholders, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic.
