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The ROI of Investing in Youth: Why Economic Mobility is a Community Imperative
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
When we talk about “return on investment,” our minds often jump to balance sheets, bottom lines, and quarterly reports. But what if the greatest ROI isn’t financial in the short term but social, economic, and generational in the long...
Kentucky Air National Guard Dedicates New Display at JA Finance Park
By Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana partnered with the Kentucky Air National Guard to unveil a new educational display at JA Finance Park. The exhibit introduces students to the mission, values, and career opportunities within the Air National Guard, connecting classroom learning to real-world pathways in service and leadership. As part of Veterans Day celebrations, JA of Kentuckiana expresses...
Humana Partners to Expand Mental Health Education for Louisville’s Next Generation
By Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
The Humana Foundation, Jewish Heritage Fund, and the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute celebrated the grand opening of the new Health and Well-being Center at Junior Achievement Finance Park of Kentucky, marking a major step in youth mental health...
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...