Junior Achievement of South Texas

At Junior Achievement of South Texas (JA), we believe every
child deserves the chance to dream big—and the tools to make those dreams a
reality. For more than 100 years, JA has been preparing young people for
successful and meaningful futures. Since 1979, right here in South Texas, we’ve
empowered nearly two million students with the skills, confidence, and
inspiration to build brighter tomorrows.

Our Mission: To inspire and prepare young people to succeed
in the global economy. Through our volunteer-led programs, students gain
essential financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship skills,
unlocking a world of possibilities. Our hands-on approach sparks innovation and
creativity, enabling young minds to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our community—one student at a
time.

Every day, our mission comes to life when a volunteer steps
into a classroom. Picture a student who has never thought about saving money or
considered owning a business. Then, imagine the spark when they meet a mentor
who shares their own journey of hard work, resilience, and success. That moment
of connection—the “I can do this too” moment—is at the heart of what JA
provides.

Last school year, JA reached 85,855 students across 370
schools, with the support of 2,453 teachers and an incredible 2,769 volunteers
who brought lessons to life. For many of these students—78% from economically
disadvantaged households—JA is more than just a program. It’s a spark of
possibility. It’s learning how to budget for the first time. It’s practicing a
job interview with a mentor who believes in them. It’s discovering that they,
too, can build a business or lead a team.

The results speak for themselves. JA alumni are more likely
to pursue their dream careers, save for retirement, and feel confident in
achieving their goals. Most importantly, they carry forward the belief that
they have the power to shape their future—and their community’s future, too.

When you give to Junior Achievement, you’re not just
supporting a program—you’re investing in brighter tomorrows for thousands of
South Texas students. This school year, our goal is to empower 91,000 students
with the skills and knowledge to break cycles of poverty, lead thriving
communities, and create a stronger, more prosperous future for us all.

Join us in building brighter tomorrows—one student at a time!

Who We Are

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.

During the 2018/2019 school year, with the help of over 4,200 volunteers, JA of South Texas brought our educational programs to 91,518 students, grades K-12. Of the participants approximately 72% were economically disadvantaged.