Allie Mangel,  Junior Achievement of San Diego County

JA's transformational programs on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work-readiness have enabled us to continue developing partnerships with multiple organizations, working together to build a thriving, inclusive economy in San Diego.

From community partners to educational institutions, strategic partnerships ensure that thousands of young people throughout San Diego are empowered to identify and achieve their economic success.

JA collaborates with  Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT) to host their Pathways to Financial Power conference at our JA campus. JA offers participants the Mission Fed JA Finance Park budgeting simulation as well as hosts a career and job fair for the youth, JIT finalists also pitch their business ideas at the JIT Shark Tank and receive cash prizes to jump start their entrepreneurial efforts. JA is thrilled to be a true collaborative partner with our nonprofit friend and provide support, programs, and expertise to JIT youth.

As part of JA’s mission to build stronger, more equitable communities across San Diego, we are empowering over 20 teens from  South Bay Community Services with virtual financial literacy workshops. Our collective impact enables teens on formal probation who are involved in a 45-day justice reform program, to remain in the community while gaining real-world skills, community service hours, and an opportunity to build social capital through the engagement of our industry volunteers.

The JA Ambassador program launched their very fist cohort this fall with 120+ bright high school students from across San Diego County. The ambassadors are taken through 10 virtual sessions focused on JA’s three pillars of success, Financial Literacy, Career Readiness, and Entrepreneurship. The program is connecting our young people to San Diego’s leading industries, expanding their social networks, and building a sense of confidence and resiliency.

As one of our Ambassadors shared, “this is the kind of learning I wished I had at school, I feel more confident leaving high school having explored these skills, being apart of this program is one of the best decisions I have made” – Kayla

In partnership with The Monarch School, over 30 students are participating in a financial literacy workshop where they are gaining an understanding about the tools of credit, investing and budgeting to prepare them for financial success as young adults. Volunteers from OneWest Bank and Bank of California enriched the program with their real-world experiences and knowledge.  

"Our students appreciated learning real-world knowledge and skills, including setting up a checking account and investments! The team ensured our students felt represented through the material, real life examples and the volunteers they brought to our virtual class." -Allie Peterson, Monarch School Teacher

They have partnered with The Chula Vista Elementary School District to enable 6th grade students from underserved families in Chula Vista to learn the foundational knowledge and skills needed to be self-sufficient.

Last Fall, 90 students from e3 Civic High School built their design thinking skills this fall as they participate in JA Company Program.  In late October, JA brought volunteers from HP, Perfect Snacks and Turning Point Executive Search to the virtual classroom to judge and mentor the students as they presented vetting stage pitches.

In partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools, JA Staff and community volunteers provide High School Seniors with the critical financial literacy insight and tools to achieve economic empowerment.

Working at the intersection of education and local business, they know that thriving, inclusive economies and empowered citizens are a result of collaborative efforts and collective impact. Their goal is to continue developing strong partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations in order to ensure that all San Diego youth are empowered to achieve economic success.

For more information about JA Partners, visit their website or the original article.