Global 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.
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.
JA advances youth advocacy through two global initiatives. World Youth for Action is JA Worldwide's flagship, multi-year initiative that empowers young people ages 16 to 29 to help shape the decisions, systems, and policies that affect their lives while bringing together ecosystem builders and partners to advance meaningful youth advocacy. Youth Voices, powered by JA Worldwide, Cortico, the MIT Center for Constructive Communication, and Accenture, shares firsthand stories from more than 100 JA students and alumni across 45+ countries, highlighting young people's perspectives and experiences from around the world.