(NewsUSA)
– This year marks a milestone for Junior Achievement (JA), a non-government organization that prepares youth for future jobs by teaching them about entrepreneurship, money management, and career planning, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.Millions of students have benefitted from JA programs, and the organization wants to hear from them as part of the centennial celebration.Notable JA alumni, known as "Achievers," include Mark Cuban, computer entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, ABC News anchor Juju Chang, sportscaster James Brown, and America Online co-founder Steve Case.Research has shown that students who completed JA programs reported more confidence in their money-management skills and were more likely to finish college and start a business than peers who did not participate in JA programs.In honor of its centennial, JA wants to reconnect with more of its alumni and encourage them to share their experiences and success stories.A new website, JA.org/ConnectAlumni, provides a forum for students who have been involved with JA to view photo and video archives, as well as share their memories of the organization and how it has impacted their lives. The site also offers opportunities to connect with fellow alumni with links to alumni groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.JA programs, presented by corporate and community volunteers, are available for kindergarten through high school and reach more than 4.8 million students every year in 107 markets across the United States, plus 5.2 million students in 100 other countries.The primary goal of the non-profit is to provide youth with the knowledge of the many possibilities available to them, be it going to college, learning a trade, or starting a business.The programs help students learn the skills to make smart decisions about the future, so they can achieve economic success and financial security in a way that is suited to their interests and abilities.As the JA website explains in its mission statement, the programs "ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century."Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide.Visit ja.org for more information about JA programs and opportunities to get involved.
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