JA National Student Leadership Summit 2023
In June 2023, the Nation's Capital hosted a remarkable event as 15 exceptional student companies from Junior Achievement gathered to compete in the 2023 Junior Achievement National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS). These ambitious students devise and market products or services that address unmet consumer needs, while also seeking investors for their...
Central Illinois High School Students Become Titans of Business
New Research Shows Teens are Re-Thinking the Future of Work
In today's world, teens are increasingly exploring alternatives to the traditional higher education route. Thats why Junior Achievement and Citizens conducted a study to gain insight into where teens' thoughts are when it comes to the cost of higher...
Meet the Laureates: Doug Stewart
Doug Stewart grew up in Cullom, Illinois, a small central Illinois town with a population of 500. He believes the combination of Midwestern values and strong parental guidance has served him well throughout life. While in high school, Doug met his future wife, Vicky, and after graduation from college they married. In January 2023, they celebrated their 50th wedding...
Meet the Laureates: Randall Schrock
Randall Schrock was born in Peoria, Illinois and is lifelong resident of Morton, Illinois. His education began at Morton grade schools before moving on to Morton High School graduating in the year...
Meet the Laureates: Sid Ruckriegel
Sid Ruckriegel was born and raised in Jasper, Indiana. The son of Robert and Lovella Ruckriegel, Sid has one brother, Al. His dad, a meat cutter, and his mother, a bookkeeper, in 1964 started a 24 coffee shop. This endeavor would eventually grow to be recognized...
Meet the Laureates: Jeff Bogdan
Jeff Bogdan is a first-generation American citizen whose parents immigrated from Poland in the late 1950s. While he was born in Harvey, Illinois, Jeff spent his upbringing in Gary, Indiana where he attended Calumet High School. Aside from his studies, he played football and baseball, and was a 4-year letterman - serving as team captain and awarded most valuable...
JA My Story | Zach Fleming
Not every student plans to go to college and finds JA valuable in introducing young people to careers that dont require a degree, such as in the skilled trades, as well as occupations students can pursue straight out of high school. Volunteers often share their career journeys with students, making JA even more...