Our Blog
Nominations open for Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts’ 18 Under 18 Awards
By JAWM
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts is now accepting nominations for its 18 Under 18 class of 2026, an annual awards program that recognizes exceptional young people who demonstrate innovative spirit, leadership and meaningful community...
Preparing Students for What’s Next: Key Insights from a Recent JA Alumni Survey
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
Our recent survey of Gen Z and Millennial JA alumni demonstrate and reflects the tangible ways JA is helping students prepare...
Education for What’s Next: Powering Economic Mobility
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
What’s next? It’s the question on everyone’s mind. Technologies we’ve never seen before are reshaping the world in ways we never imagined. Jobs people rely on today may not exist...
Community Leaders Come Together to Support Junior Achievement Students
By JAWM
Corporate Responsibility
Coming together to support the next generation, leaders from business, government, media and the nonprofit community will gather in Springfield to benefit Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) and its work preparing young people for economic success. The gathering takes place as part of JAWM’s annual Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser on Thursday, February...
Students compete and win at Junior Achievement’s 20th annual Stock Market Challenge
By JAWM
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts celebrated 20 years of its Stock Market Challenge on November 18 at Western New England University. The fast-paced simulation brought together hundreds of students, sponsors and volunteers for an exciting, educational day of trading and...
The ROI of Investing in Youth: Why Economic Mobility is a Community Imperative
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
When we talk about “return on investment,” our minds often jump to balance sheets, bottom lines, and quarterly reports. But what if the greatest ROI isn’t financial in the short term but social, economic, and generational in the long...
Gen Z's Career Confidence vs. Future Challenges: What Today’s Teens Really Think About Work, AI, and Education
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
As American teens stand on the brink of adulthood, they're navigating a rapidly changing world — one shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting views on higher education, and increasing financial pressure. But according to new research from Junior Achievement USA and Citizens, despite these mounting challenges, today’s teens are still remarkably optimistic about the...
Sponsors and volunteers sought for 20th annual Stock Market Challenge
By JAWM
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) is seeking sponsors and volunteers for its 20th Annual Stock Market Challenge, taking place on Tuesday, November 18 at Western New England University in...
Purchase 4 Tires & Balise Will Make A Donation
By JAWM
Corporate Responsibility
Every fall and spring, Balise Auto Group runs its Tires to Inspire campaign to support local youth...
Students Are Asking: “Why Are We Learning This?”— And That’s a Good Thing
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
If you've spent time in a classroom recently, you've probably heard a student ask:
“Why are we learning this?”
At first, it might sound like defiance or disinterest. But in reality, it’s one of the most important questions a student can ask—because it signals a desire for meaning, relevance, and connection. And in today’s world, those elements are essential to authentic learning.
The good...
