We could not be more grateful for our incredible volunteers who have continued to support our local students through another challenging year.  Young people need the skills and training from JA more than ever – and our volunteers help bring that experiential education every step of the way.  We’ve gathered information highlighting a few of our volunteers and we hope you’ll enjoy reading more about them and why they volunteer with JA.  THANK YOU to each and every volunteer for being so generous with your time to make a difference in the life of our youth.

Read our Volunteer Highlights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Funding from Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development helps Junior Achievement bring game-changing program to youth in Hamilton

Hamilton, ON – April 25, 2022 – The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is helping JA South Western Ontario bring a new program to Hamilton, which is expected to be a game changer for at-risk youth. Through the Skills Development Fund, the Ministry is providing $100,400 toward the development of JA Job Shadow program in the community; supporting youth aged 16-20 who are not currently in school.

JA Job Shadow is an impactful program that informs and empowers youth with the skills and capabilities to thrive in the workforce.  To date, the program has primarily been used by JA organizations in the United States and other countries and the program in Hamilton will be one of the first of its kind in Canada.

“To build stronger communities, we need to ensure young people have pathways to meaningful employment,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I am proud to support this JA project, which gives youth in Hamilton hands-on training and a pathway to financial independence and a better life.”

JA Program participants will engage in career exploration and planning activities that help them develop the employability skills employers are seeking. They will also gain valuable experience through a job shadow opportunity with a local business. This project inspires youth to create their own career goals and develop vital skills by connecting them directly with employers so they can learn what is required for success

“This program is really focused at bridging a gap,” said Karen Gallant, President and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “We know there are youth who need a less traditional path into their future – and we know there are companies looking for skilled workers. We are thrilled to be able to pilot this program in Hamilton and support young people and the community in this new way.”

JA Job Shadow will empower workers and job seekers who face higher barriers of entry, and enhance pathways into meaningful and gainful employment and will begin rolling out in the summer of 2022.  Interested partners or participants are encouraged to reach out to info@jaswo.org and check back for updates at jaswo.org.

Throughout all the shutdowns from the pandemic, Riverview Bingo has done everything in its power to keep the funding coming for JA and other charities in Chatham-Kent.

We’re so grateful for the support of Riverview across all three JA pillars – financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Knowing that funding is there each month has been a huge help in bringing essential JA education to students in our community. This proactive education will help keep students out of the cycle of poverty – and support the community builders of the future!

Thank you Riverview!

https://www.riverviewbingo.ca/

If you know someone who would be a good candidate  for the London and District Business Hall of Fame, now is the time to let us know! 2022 Laureate nominations will be open through March 25th.

Established by Junior Achievement of London and District in 1990, the London and District Business Hall of Fame honours the lifetime achievements of London and area’s most distinguished individuals who have helped shape our community through their business success, entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic contributions. These distinguished leaders have planted the seeds of greatness that today’s youth will harvest to create their future.

Inductees are nominated by their peers and chosen by a selection committee. This year’s Laureates will be welcomed into the JA London and District Business Hall of Fame at the 2022 Induction Ceremonies and Gala Dinner on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the RBC Place London (as possible).  Laureate portraits will be installed at the permanent exhibit located on the second floor of the downtown London Public Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, Ontario.

Read more about the selection criteria and make your nomination:  Laureate Nomination Form 2022

JA Worldwide Nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize;
JA South Western Ontario Celebrates this Prestigious Honour

JA Worldwide, a non-profit organization that helps young people develop the skillset and mindset to achieve success, has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

As a member of the worldwide Junior Achievement network, JA Southwestern Ontario prepares thousands of local students every year to compete in the global economy by delivering hands-on, experiential learning in work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

JA has been helping young people since the organization’s founding in 1919, but this recognition is about more than just JA’s impact on individuals. The effects of JA are felt in communities, countries, and the entire world because the organization has been able to scale up to reach over 10 million young people per year, partnering with more than 400,000 volunteers and teachers, who deliver hands-on, immersive learning experiences in 115 countries

For centuries, unemployment and poverty have led to political instability, violence, and war. By economically empowering youth on all continents, JA Worldwide—and especially JA’s 150+ million alumni living all over the world—serve as a conduit for peace and a global force for good.

This nomination for JA Worldwide is the beginning of a journey for the JA network, especially given that many organizations have been nominated multiple times before being shortlisted or selected as a winner. There are, of course, many deserving organizations, and JA feels privileged to be mentioned alongside with others that are striving for a more peaceful world.

Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide, shared his perspective in response to the nomination: “Peace is only possible when youth in all countries and regions have economic empowerment. JA Worldwide is honoured to receive this nomination and will continue our work to enable all young people to have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Our primary hope for solving the world’s most complex problems rests in the young people of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Brad Geddes, Director Emeritus of the JA SWO Board, explained how JA creates a lasting impact: “My own journey with JA began more than 50 years ago as a high-school student. Participating in the JA Company Program ignited my entrepreneurial passion. With fellow students we discovered how to overcome many challenges and find success by creating and running a business. JA is a transformational experience, with guidance provided by volunteer mentors and the financial support of the local business community.” Geddes also serves on the JA Worldwide Global Council.

Locally, JA has been inspiring and preparing youth in South Western Ontario for over 58 years. Last year JA South Western Ontario provided over 16.000 student experiences, working proactively to prepare students for their lives ahead as they become the community builders of the future.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Junior Achievement hosting 31st Annual London and District Business Hall
of Fame Gala honouring laureates Karen Fryday-Field and Joel McLean

October 19th, 2021 – London, ON. JA South Western Ontario is taking the London and District
Business Hall of Fame Gala virtual again this year as Karen Fryday-Field and Joel McLean are inducted
in to the Hall and join an esteemed group of Laureates.

The 31st Annual London and District Hall of Fame Gala will take place online October 21st 2021 from 7-
8:30 PM. This year’s Gala celebrates the achievements of two exceptional role models: Karen FrydayField, Managing Partner of Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting Group and Joel McLean, Founder of Info-Tech Research Group.

Each year, in recognition of outstanding contributions and ethics in business, Hall of Fame Laureates are
nominated and selected by respected members of the London and District business community. This
signature gala event showcases the lives of the Inductees allowing us to learn about their achievements
and how they have developed and nurtured their legacies.

Karen Fryday-Field is a London born entrepreneur and highly experienced facilitator and consultant,
who received her MBA from the IVEY Business School. She has spoken and provided leadership
development, strategic thinking, and governance consultation in Canada, the United States, England, the
Middle East, and internationally.

“I really look forward to the upcoming celebration hosted by Junior Achievement.” said Fryday-Field.
“Their work of encouraging young leaders to build business, embrace entrepreneurship, and engage in
giving back is core to the fabric of building a healthy community. I feel very honoured to be inducted
into the London and District Business Hall of Fame. This award inspires me to engage and encourage
our younger leaders to take the lead on advancing excellent governance that presses organizations to
achieve their purpose with ethics, justice, inclusion, and prudence. Thank you so much for this honour.”

Joel McLean founded Info-Tech Research Group to help CIOs and large organizations successfully
manage complex technology projects, run successful IT departments, and lead digital transformations
for their organizations. As a recognized leader in the research industry, Joel is frequently invited to
speak in public and private executive forums on IT issues and business entrepreneurship.

“Thank you to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario for their decades-long commitment to
encouraging and developing young entrepreneurs. It is an honour to be named alongside the inspiring
Business Hall of Fame inductees from throughout JA’s history,” says Joel McLean, Founder of Info-Tech
Research Group. “Since starting Info-Tech in London 25 years ago, we have hired and supported various
JA alumni. As business leaders, we have a responsibility to give back and foster the next generation.
Together, with organizations such as JA, we can create future leaders who will positively impact our
community. Thank you for this honour and for the opportunity to support such an important program.”

Tickets for the Virtual Gala are available for purchase now at jaswo.org.

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About London and District Business Hall of Fame
Established in 1990, the London and District Business Hall of Fame supports the work of JA in London
and throughout Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce Counties. It was created to
honour respected members of the London and area business community, past and present, for their
outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
London and District Business Hall of Fame Inductees join a distinguished list of previous Laureates whose
portraits are showcased in the London and District Business Hall of Fame Gallery located in the London
Public Library, downtown London.

About Junior Achievement South Western Ontario
JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest
not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery
of hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers
young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and
secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in
an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area
including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce,
Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Denise Pelley at dpelley@jaswo.org

JA South Western Ontario, along with JA chapters across the province, will bring skilled trades and technology exposure into the classroom via a new interactive online event

IN AN EFFORT to make the skilled trades a more attractive pathway for high school students, Junior Achievement (JA) South Western Ontario is teaming up with JA chapters across the province to host a one-day virtual career symposium next week to connect students with industry pros.

Called “Building a Stronger Future”, the event is described as “an interactive, online experience that introduces high school students to the fascinating skilled trades and technology sectors, and gives them an opportunity to hear directly from industry experts.”

Promoting skilled trades as road to success

JA South Western Ontario has joined with JA Waterloo Region to form one strong and dynamic charter.

Formed in 1963 and 1970 respectively, the two organizations will now operate together as the amalgamated charter Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario. Our new geography includes the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara

Some things will change…

The last year and a half has already brought about many changes.  Our two charters have been working closely together to deliver programs in a virtual format.  This has resulted in some spectacular innovations from our staff, volunteers, and students! This amalgamation allows us to continue building on the success of this partnership as we move forward. We will use our new structure to increase efficiency, share and implement new ideas, and build brand awareness with the ultimate goal of bringing essential JA education to more students.

Some things will stay the same…

JA will still be working locally in many ways. Funds raised in each region will stay within that region. Volunteers will be working directly with schools in their areas. Our three offices in Kitchener, London, and Chatham will be maintained with current staff. And our focus on reaching as many students as possible in each county and school board will remain our highest priority.

The effects of the global pandemic have made it even more clear how important the work of JA is to our local communities. Educating our students in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship will help keep them out of the cycle of poverty and prepared when crises arise. Connecting with youth today means inspiring the community builders of the future, which will be crucial in the years of economic recovery that may lie ahead.

We are so excited for the opportunities that will open up for our students thanks to this merger and look forward to growing JA in every city and town across our new region.

Here’s a yearbook for our 2020-21 Company Program!

CP 2020-2021 Yearbook (002)