Celebrating a Transformative Partnership with Z Zurich Foundation for Mental Well-being
Empowering the Next Generation: Wrapping Up Phase I and Looking Ahead.
Over the past three years (2022-2025), our partnership with Z Zurich Foundation has empowered youth across Canada by promoting mental wellbeing and resiliency as critical pillars for lifelong success.
Canada Represented at JA Americas Company of the Year Competition in Brazil
December 11, 2025 National In November, Canada proudly represented at the JA Americas Company of the Year (COY) competition, held this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our Canadian champions, TopShelf, earned their spot among the top 20 student-led companies across the JA Americas region and were invited to take part in this unique opportunity and in-person event. With a mission to inspire childhood literacy through beautifully illustrated books, TopShelf impressed judges and peers as they pitched their company, networked with teams from across the Americas, and showcased their products at the Trade Fair. This experience offered an incredible opportunity to build connections and celebrate the creativity and innovation of JA Company Program participants from across the region. Adding to Canada’s presence at the event, JA Central Ontario alumna Micole joined as a COY Influencer, sharing highlights and behind-the-scenes moments on social media to bring this exciting experience to a wider audience. COY Americas Media Gallery Love0 Share Share Share Pin
CIRO Article: Better Financial Literacy for the Kids of Today and Tomorrow
December 05, 2025 National How do you teach kids financial literacy when most adults never learned it themselves? This November for Financial Literacy Month, CIRO is encouraging adults to “Talk Money” with kids and youth by providing a Parents’ Guide to Raising Money-Smart Kids. But another way might be found through Junior Achievement Canada (JA Canada). JA Canada delivers hands-on, immersive and digital learning experiences that help inspire kids, translating financial concepts into real-life experience. “Kids don’t always learn about finances at home or sometimes it doesn’t resonate when it comes from a parent,” says Jennifer James, Vice-President of Programs and Charter Services at JA Canada. “Engaging in an interactive and fun learning experience through JA can make all the difference.” At JA Canada, financial literacy is a core life skill. Their programs, such as More than Money, Dollars with Sense, Scam Smarts, Investment Strategies and Personal Finance aim to provide in-class or independent learning to help students learn how saving, spending and investing shape their futures. Many participate through JA Campus, an online learning hub for youth, educators and parents that can be accessed remotely or through a local JA office, making it easy for parents or educators to bring these options into the home or classroom. JA in Canada has also built strong partnerships with schools, helping to create the systemic change needed to support long-term financial well-being. Read Full Article on CIRO Website Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Press Release: Strategic Partnerships Fuel JA Canada’s Renewal of Investment Strategies Program
November 05, 2025 National With support of CIRO, Wealthsimple Foundation, and a consortium of partners, JA in Canada will equip over 25,000 students annually with responsible investment education. TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2025 /CNW/ – Junior Achievement of Canada (JA Canada) is excited to announce the renewal of its signature Investment Strategies Program (ISP), a dynamic classroom experience designed to equip students with essential investing knowledge, now with a fresh look, flexible format, and made possible through new partnerships with the Wealthsimple Foundation, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and a consortium of supporting foundations and partners committed to financial health. As outlined by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Canadians today face an increasingly complex and digital financial marketplace. The national vision is to build a more accessible, inclusive, and effective financial literacy ecosystem; that work starts with preparing our young people today. This program empowers students to build a strong foundation in investing fundamentals, while gaining hands-on experience through a real-time Stock Market Simulation. As educators look to equip youth with skills and experience to prepare for their financial futures, JA’s Investment Strategies Program is one of the most in-demand financial literacy programs nationally. With the renewal of this vital initiative, JA Canada aims to scale its reach, directly impacting over more than 250,000 students over the next 10 years. This expansion marks a significant milestone: ISP will now be accessible to learners coast-to-coast-to-coast in both English and French, with an anticipated growth of 40% more youth learning experiences year over year. What’s New in the Program? Designed with both educators and students in mind, the renewed program introduces a modular and flexible format, making it easier than ever to integrate into classroom learning. The redesigned program features interactive learning content, videos, and engaging student activities. The program, consisting of eight modules, each ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, provides teachers with the flexibility to deliver the full curriculum or select specific modules based on their classroom needs. Students develop a personal investment plan to apply key investing concepts in a real-world context. And in addition to the curriculum, students take part in an interactive six-week Stock Market Simulation, where they apply their knowledge in real time, gaining both foundational investment skills and practical experience. Key program enhancements: Sustainable, responsible & safe investing lessons Modernized interactive stock market simulation Redesigned learning content, videos, and engaging student activities Industry partnership integrations for real-world market insights, career pathways, and opportunity/knowledge sharing “We’re incredibly grateful to our financial and education partners whose support drives key initiatives like JA’s Investment Strategy program.” said Jennifer James, JA Canada Vice President, Programs and Charter Services. “Their investment enables us to create and deliver high-quality, experiential learning resources that not only align with curriculum, but also make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Together, we’re equipping youth with the confidence and financial capability to shape a stronger, more secure future.” New Partnerships Powering the Relaunch The renewal of the Investment Strategies Program is made possible through the support of new National Development Partners: Wealthsimple Foundation and CIRO. These partners bring a shared commitment to youth education, financial literacy, and equitable access to future-ready skills across Canada. “At Wealthsimple Foundation, we know the path to financial freedom starts with building confidence and that confidence comes from access. Investing shouldn’t feel intimidating or out of reach,” says Emily Naddaf, Director, Wealthsimple Foundation. “Our partnership with Junior Achievement and CIRO will help make learning about investing simpler and more fun for students from coast to coast. We’re eager to continue to infuse the fun and fresh approach Wealthsimple Foundation is known for into Canada’s largest student investing initiative.” “CIRO aims to support Canadian investors in their investment journey, beginning with financial skills and know-how for children and youth,” said Alexandra Williams, Senior Vice-President, Strategy, Innovation and Stakeholder Protection. “We are thrilled to assist Junior Achievement Canada in the renewed Investment Strategies Program, and to help more young Canadians access the training and skills they need to become savvy investors.” Together, we’re working to ensure that all young Canadians, regardless of geography or background, have access to the knowledge and tools they need to confidently navigate financial decision making and explore careers in the financial sector. View Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Press Release: JA Canada and RBC Collaborate to Empower Youth with the Skills for a Thriving Future
January 23, 2025 National World of Choices Skilled Trades Summit Photo Credit: Garcia Creative (CNW Group/JA Canada) TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2025 /CNW/ – JA Canada is proud to announce the renewal of its collaboration with RBC, reaffirming a shared commitment to equipping youth across Canada with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing global economy. This long-standing collaboration focuses on career readiness programs, with a particular emphasis on empowering young Canadians to explore skilled trades and emerging job opportunities. Through RBC’s continued support, JA Canada has been able to scale its World of Choices program, providing youth with invaluable opportunities to explore diverse career pathways. Interactive panels, workshops, mentorship sessions, and career fairs allow students to connect with industry professionals from a variety of sectors, offering firsthand insight into the skills and educational pathways needed to succeed in today’s job market. “RBC is committed to strengthening the workforce of tomorrow by supporting projects that focus on equipping youth with the skills needed for a thriving future,” said Gayle Corcoran, Sr. Director, Social Impact, RBC. “That is why we are proud to collaborate with JA Canada to help unlock the potential of the next generation by providing youth with the opportunities and programming needed to kickstart their careers with confidence.” The renewed collaboration also highlights RBC’s focus on fostering opportunities within the skilled trades, a critical area for Canada’s workforce development. As the National Community Partner of the World of Choices Skilled Trades Summits, RBC is supporting an innovative initiative aimed at inspiring young people to explore rewarding careers in skilled trades. As the need for trade professionals continues to grow across Canada – 700,000 of Skilled Trade Workers to retire by 2028 – these summits provide students with the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experiences to navigate potential career paths in this vital sector. These summits, delivered in partnership with Colleges & Institutes of Canada, will involve hosting more than twenty events each year across every province and reaching the Territories. Additionally, RBC is a National Supporting Partner of the JA Career Exploration Centre, an open-access virtual platform designed to support self-guided learning and exploration. Aimed at youth aged 13-18, the centre offers a range of learning resources focused on trends and emerging opportunities in the workforce. By engaging with these tools, students can make better-informed decisions about their future career choices. “JA Canada is excited to announce the renewal of our longstanding partnership with RBC,” said Scott Hillier, CEO of JA Canada. “This renewal strengthens our shared mission to prepare the next generation for an evolving workforce. RBC’s continued support allows us to enhance and expand our career readiness programs, providing youth with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the future of work.” Through this collaboration, we expect to reach over 24,000 direct beneficiaries across our series of initiatives. Together, JA Canada and RBC are creating opportunities for thousands of students annually, building a stronger, more resilient workforce, and preparing the next generation to seize their potential. View Full Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin