Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans Celebrates a Year of Remarkable Achievements and Expanding Impact
Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans (JA) is excited to report on a highly successful academic year with accomplishments that have left a profound impact on the community and the young people we serve.
Our dedication to empowering the youth has resulted in the expansion of program delivery into the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the 2022-2023 academic year, marking a significant milestone in our mission to nurture the leaders of tomorrow. The growth has brought JA's impactful initiatives to schools in the Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian areas. In the Gulfport School District alone, JA of Greater New Orleans served an impressive total of 4,142 students. The trial run of the Personal Finance 2.0 program at Pass Christian High School garnered immense enthusiasm from students, leading the district to plan for the program's continuation for the entire high school in the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.
In a major stride toward inclusion, we have adapted JA BizTown to bring career awareness and work readiness skills to special needs students from Opportunities Academy, an extension of high school catering to college-aged students (18-22) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The impact of this program was profound, sparking efforts between JA of Greater New Orleans and Opportunities Academy to explore other meaningful ways to serve this often-overlooked population with additional JA programs.
JA of Greater New Orleans extended its reach in the region's Northshore parishes through a collaboration with the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, exposing students to the inner workings of the center through JA Job Shadow. Radiologists, imaging specialists, and certified cancer nurses guided students through a normal workday, introducing them to diverse career pathways. This successful partnership has strengthened the organization's presence in high schools north of the city.
The JA Employer Hub, a model of career and work readiness success, is expanding to include older youth, providing them with a bridge to a meaningful and successful career. The program aims to support recent high school graduates in their career exploration process, connecting them with local industries of interest and empowering them to explore diverse pathways, including vocational training, apprenticeships, and certification programs. JA of Greater New Orleans recognizes that traditional four-year degrees may not suit every young adult and seeks to showcase alternative educational paths that align with individual skills and interests, further empowering youth to make informed decisions about their future.
The organization's commitment to youth empowerment received substantial support from esteemed philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, emeritus board member Walter Blessey, and Zurich Insurance Group, the latter of which selected JA of Greater New Orleans as its local nonprofit to support at this year's Zurich Classic Golf Tournament Women’s Day event. The continued support from the Brees Dream Foundation for its Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge has been instrumental in the program’s growth and sustainability.
Over the past school year, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans reached over 25,000 youth Louisiana and Mississippi. Our JA office also earned the prestigious Five Star Recognition from JA USA, solidifying our position as a beacon of excellence in youth empowerment. This award recognizes staff and boards in JA Areas that meet JA USA’s operational standards for compliance, student impact, operational efficiency, financial stability, and sustainability.
Reflecting on these achievements, the staff and board of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all supporters and partners who made these accomplishments possible. The organization remains committed to nurturing and inspiring young people, shaping them into future leaders who will drive positive change in the community and beyond. With a steadfast focus on the future, JA of Greater New Orleans looks forward to even greater success in the years to come, continuing to empower and inspire the next generation.