Empowering the Next Generation: How Our Community Is Shaping the Future of NEPA

What happens when local businesses, educators, and volunteers come together to invest in young people?

At Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, we've seen the answer firsthand.

This school year, more than 13,000 students across nine counties participated in JA learning experiences that helped them explore careers, build personal finance skills, and learn what is possible for their future. 

But the real story isn't found in the numbers.

It's found in the middle school student who discovers a career they never knew existed.

It's found in the high school student who connects with an employer and begins exploring a future career path.

It's found in the volunteer who takes a few hours out of their day to share their personal journey and inspires an entire classroom.

Every day, we witness moments that remind us why this work matters.

Image caption: YES! Resume Building - 8th grade

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Students today are looking for more than information. They're looking for connection, purpose, and a better understanding of what comes next.

Through interactive learning experiences like JA Inspire, YES! Day, JA Company Insight, Inspire to Hire, and JA classroom experiences, students meet real professionals, explore real careers, and participate in hands-on, interactive learning experiences that connect education to opportunity.

Whether they're learning about entrepreneurship, budgeting for their future, or exploring skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and business careers, students are gaining experiences that help them make informed decisions about their futures.

Image caption: YES! Volunteers Mountain View SD

The Power of a Volunteer

The most impactful part of every JA experience are the people who make it possible!

This year, more than 1,000 corporate and community volunteers shared their time, expertise, and personal experiences with local students.

Our volunteers aren't professional speakers or teachers. They're business leaders, skilled trades workers, healthcare professionals, bankers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and community members who simply want to help the next generation succeed.

And students love it.

They ask questions. They make connections. They hear firsthand stories about challenges, successes, and career journeys that help them realize there isn't just one path to success.

For many students, these conversations become the most memorable part of the day.

Looking Ahead

While students are enjoying summer break, our team is already preparing for another exciting school year.

We're working with schools, recruiting volunteers, building new partnerships, and planning learning experiences that will reach even more students throughout the region beginning this fall.

The demand for career-connected learning continues to grow, and we're proud to work alongside educators, businesses, and community partners who believe every student deserves an opportunity to dream bigger and plan for their future.

Join Us

If you've ever wanted to make a meaningful difference in the life of a young person, consider volunteering with JA.

Our YES! (Your Economic Success) learning experience provide a fun and rewarding way for professionals to connect with students and share their experiences. No teaching experience is required, just a willingness to show up and inspire. Sign-Up to Volunteer for YES! Days school year 2026-2027. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdibzwgesnuKzNgZLSdtVtNSASoMl_hPB15S7odZpcK-G1wFQ/viewform

Together, we're not just preparing students for jobs.

We're helping them discover possibilities.

And that's an investment that benefits all of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Thank you to every volunteer, educator, donor, sponsor, and community partner who made this remarkable year possible. We can't wait to see what's ahead.