Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Through the JA Company Program, students work with business-savvy volunteers to create real companies that offer real products, as they launch their entrepreneurial careers. As a team, JA student companies develop a business concept; finance the venture; research, produce, and market their product; and assess business profitability.

Launched in 1919, the JA Company Program offers students in high school and college the opportunity to move a business idea from concept to reality. The program provides teachers with a series of learning-by-doing business, economics, and entrepreneurship activities, while experienced business professionals mentor students. By bringing business volunteers in the classroom to share their experience and mentor, students get a behind-the-scenes look at career opportunities and learn the skills they need to succeed. Last year, more than half a million JA students around the world got their first entrepreneurship experience through the JA Company Program.