JA Alumni: Stories of Transformation and Impact
From Accra to Amsterdam, Singapore to Sao Paulo, and Miami to Marrakech, millions of JA alumni have built new ventures from the ground up, won election to the highest political offices, studied at leading universities, and invented products that have revolutionized industries. Millions more have built ethical and sustainable small businesses that help the world meet the challenges of the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. And millions of other JA alumni have achieved less well-known—but no less laudable—successes, like being the first in their families to graduate from college, spending less than they earn in order to save for retirement, and becoming respected and effective managers.
As a result of their JA experiences, our alumni start more companies, hire more employees, and produce significantly larger annual sales than ventures led by non-alumni. Our alumni also save more, hold less debt, and are less likely to spend more than they earn. JA alumni report higher levels of household income and career satisfaction. And they’re less likely to drop out of school, face unemployment, or collect social insurance.
These are their stories.
JA Alumni Stories
— Featured Story —
Federica Perreira: Finding Belonging Through Entrepreneurship
Federica “Fede” Perreira spent much of her early school years wondering where she fit. Growing up in Punta del Este, Uruguay, some subjects came easily, but others—especially mathematics—felt impossible. The classroom often left her feeling isolated. By 14, she had tried nearly every extracurricular activity available, searching for more than just something to do: Fede was looking for a place where she could feel capable, included, and seen.
JA Alumni and Sustainability
Featured
Youth Advocacy
At JA, youth advocacy is a core part of how we prepare young people to shape the future. We believe young people should be active participants, not passive observers, in the decisions that affect their lives, communities, and the world. Through advocacy, engagement, and youth voice, JA equips young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to influence classrooms, workplaces, organizations, and public policy.
Initiatives
World Youth for Action is JA Worldwide's flagship, multi-year youth advocacy initiative that empowers young people ages 16 to 29 to become equal contributors in shaping the decisions, systems, and policies that affect their lives and futures. At the same time, it brings together a global consortium of ecosystem builders and partner organizations to co-create and advance meaningful youth advocacy in practice.
Youth Voices—powered by JA Worldwide, Cortico, MIT Center for Constructive Communication (CCC), and Accenture—is a collection of firsthand experiences from 100+ JA Worldwide students and alumni across 45+ countries. Explore the project at youthvoices.org.
More Stories from Around the World
Alumni and Student Stories
