JA Is Really Newsworthy!
Give them the power to pursue their dreams
Our Blog
Empowering Futures: Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana Receives Grant for Madison High School Programming
By Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana received a grant to deliver financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness programs at Madison High School, helping students prepare for life after graduation and build brighter...
Cerity Partners & Junior Achievement: Investing in the Future
By Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
We’re proud to celebrate Cerity Partners for their outstanding commitment to Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana. As the founding sponsor of our Stock Market Challenge and a dedicated supporter of Inspire and the Business Hall of Fame, Cerity goes beyond financial contributions—bringing mentorship and energy directly into classrooms. Their team’s volunteerism and values-driven approach are helping...
Layne Elementary’s Karyn Staton Recognized with Junior Achievement Teacher Award at Baird Excellence Awards
By Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
Layne Elementary’s Karyn Staton, a 22-year teaching veteran, has been honored with the Junior Achievement Teacher Award at the 12th Annual Baird Excellence Awards. Recognized as one of Louisville’s top educators, Karyn is celebrated for her passion, preparation, and dedication to her 5th grade students—especially through their experiences at Junior Achievement BizTown®, where students learn...
Gen Z's Career Confidence vs. Future Challenges: What Today’s Teens Really Think About Work, AI, and Education
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
As American teens stand on the brink of adulthood, they're navigating a rapidly changing world — one shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting views on higher education, and increasing financial pressure. But according to new research from Junior Achievement USA and Citizens, despite these mounting challenges, today’s teens are still remarkably optimistic about the...
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana Impacts Over 4,000 Floyd County Students Thanks to Caesars Foundation Investment
By Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana reached 4,062 students in Floyd County last year, thanks in part to a generous investment from the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County. Educators praised the relevance of the curriculum, highlighting its integration into classroom learning. JA President Jennifer Helgeson expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s partnership, emphasizing its role in equipping...
Students Are Asking: “Why Are We Learning This?”— And That’s a Good Thing
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
If you've spent time in a classroom recently, you've probably heard a student ask:
“Why are we learning this?”
At first, it might sound like defiance or disinterest. But in reality, it’s one of the most important questions a student can ask—because it signals a desire for meaning, relevance, and connection. And in today’s world, those elements are essential to authentic learning.
The good...
Back to School: Are Teens Being Left Behind on AI?
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
As students head back to the classroom this fall, new insights from Junior Achievement reveal a growing disconnect between the skills today’s teens need and what they’re learning in school. In a recent national survey conducted by Big Village for Junior Achievement, 64% of teens (ages 13–17) said they are not using AI as a learning tool at school. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping...
Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: Preparing Students for the Future of Work
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, traditional classroom instruction alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly seek individuals with not just technical knowledge, but also adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. This is where experiential learning steps in, and why Junior Achievement (JA) plays a vital role in reshaping how young people...
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana President Receives Prestigious National Award
By Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
Jennifer Helgeson, President of Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, has been awarded the 2025 Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award at the JA USA National Leadership Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. This national honor recognizes outstanding first-time JA Area Presidents for their exceptional leadership and impact. Under Helgeson’s guidance, JA Kentuckiana has seen significant growth and innovation....
JA Workforce with State Farm
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
Starting a career can be daunting, especially when faced with crucial decisions and additional challenges such as growing up in foster care, single parenting, or other significant life hurdles. In these situations, support becomes even more...