Latest News
Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener
Job Opportunity: Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener (5 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week) 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…
Summer Camp Counsellor – London
Job Opportunity: Summer Camp Counsellor – London (7 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week) 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…
Lifting Each Other Up: International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day was March 8th and I had the good fortune to attend several events to celebrate. At the Smashing Barriers event organized by TechAlliance, Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO and Co-founder of Canada Learning Code, I was inspired by Melissa’s passion for teaching Canadians of all ages important digital literacy skills that are so vital…
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IN THE NEWS: Junior Achievers in London (CTV)
Junior Achievers in London A free program is teaching London students how to launch and run their own business. Amandalina Letterio has the story. WATCH ON CTV
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Why RRSP Season Should Interest Teenagers (and How Junior Achievement Supports Early Retirement Planning)
Retirement planning is too often considered a distant concern for teenagers, who are more focused on immediate priorities like school, social activities, and part-time jobs. However, in today’s economic landscape, starting retirement planning early has become increasingly important. With RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) season in full swing, it’s an opportune moment to discuss why…
Navigating the Future: A Strategic Look at HR Trends Shaping Youth Preparedness for the Evolving Workforce
A new year means a new start and many people consider changing jobs and/or careers in January. It can be a daunting thought for people with work experience, and absolutely overwhelming for a young person who’s just starting out. We sought insights from Kim MacPherson, a JA South Western Ontario board member and a Global…
IN THE NEWS: Taco Bell Foundation’s Grant World of Choices Program Events Includes Windsor-Essex (AM800/CKLW)
Guest host Kyle Horner is joined by Karen Gallant, CEO of JA South Western Ontario to talk about the foundation and the benefit it has for students.
Help turn dreams into reality – a message from JA Alum Stephen McCabe
As JA South Western Ontario approaches the end of another transformative year, they asked me to share a story that captures the profound impact Junior Achievement has on young minds—my story. I’m Stephen McCabe, and my journey with Junior Achievement began with elementary in-class workshops back in 2005-06. In those foundational years, I vividly remember…
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IN THE NEWS: Geddes Family Foundation Fuels the Future with a Generous Donation to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario
The Geddes Family Foundation, administered through the London Community Foundation, announces a substantial donation to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JASWO) in support of the charity’s “The Next 60 Starts Here” 60th Anniversary campaign. Established in 2018, the Geddes Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting education and health initiatives Brad Geddes, President & CEO ZucoraHome,…
Tell Me Why …
As a fundraiser for 30 years, it was not a surprise for me to end up in this career. I started at an early age mirroring my parents’ generosity. Girl Guide cookies when I was 6 years old, a UNICEF box every Halloween when pennies were still currency and all the school sales of chocolate…
Closing the Financial Literacy Gap: A Call for Collaborative Action
I remember clearly my first week attending university. I was nervously navigating unfamiliar hallways, classes, and other new realities when I came upon a series of booths set up in the campus food court. Each was a bank or other financial institution vying for my attention and sharing the opportunity to sign up for my…
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IN THE NEWS: Calling all alumni of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (Cambridge Today)
Calling all alumni of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario JA alumni invited to participate in the creation of a ‘mosaic of stories’ CambridgeToday Staff Nov 14, 2023 4:29 PM Listen to this article 00:01:52 NEWS RELEASE JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SOUTH WESTERN ONTARIO ***************************** Junior Achievement South Western Ontario is reaching out to its alumni spanning six…
Thoughts from the Quiet Kid…
If you were to travel back in time to when I was in tenth grade and ask any of my teachers, coaches, or family friends to describe me, you would have gotten one resounding answer from all of them: quiet. I was mousy and painfully shy. I did everything in my power to not be…
Celebrating 2023 Laureates at the Hall of Fame Gala and Announcing 60th Anniversary “The Next 60 Starts Here” Celebration
At last night’s Gala Celebration at RBC Place London, distinguished Laureates Allan Drewlo, President of Drewlo Holdings, and Jill Wilcox, Owner of Jill’s Table were officially inducted into the London and District Business Hall of Fame, honoured for their outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. While hosting the event, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario…
IN THE NEWS: Empowering Future Business Leaders The Junior Achievement Way (BizX Magazine)
Empowering Future Business Leaders The Junior Achievement Way By building abilities and nurturing self-belief, Junior Achievement prepares youth for the future of work, ensures they have the tools to be financially capable adults, and teaches them to think entrepreneurially. We explore the importance of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JASWO), and how this organization can…
That Back-to-School Feeling
I’ve always liked “back to school”. As a young person, I enjoyed going back to school – fresh notebooks, new subjects, seeing friends I hadn’t seen over the summer. It always felt like a New Year and new beginning. When my kids were young, I had the same feelings of excitement and anticipation over the…
A Change to Planned Giving Starts in 2024
Introduction by Heather J. Scott, CFRE Director, Philanthropy JA South Western Ontario Since 2006, the capital gains on gifts of publicly traded securities to registered charities has been eliminated. Securities eligible are all securities listed on both Canadian and major international exchanges. This includes stocks, mutual funds and bonds, along with a variety of other…
Self-Efficacy: A Critical Skill for Workers Now and in the Future
I’ve spent a lot of my career focused on talent development – either as a people leader, helping companies attract and retain talent, or – most recently – providing opportunities for youth to figure out what they want to do and how they can get there. As part of this work, I love to stay…
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Systems Upgrade Underway
Starting the week of June 26th, JA South Western Ontario will be transitioning to a new database system in order to better serve our mission. We anticipate our new system being fully operational August 1st, but in the meantime there may be a few gaps in our ability to send out external communications about our…
JA South Western Ontario announces Allan Drewlo and Jill Wilcox as 2023 London & District Business Hall of Fame Laureates
London, ON – June 8, 2023. At the London and District Business Hall of Fame Laureate announcement event, held at the London Public Library, Central Branch on June 8th, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario was pleased to announce Allan Drewlo, President of Drewlo Holdings and Jill Wilcox, Owner of Jill’s Table, as the 2023 Laureates.…
IN THE NEWS: Honouring tech leadership – Joseph Fung and Sandvine founders inducted into Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (Communitech)
Honouring tech leadership Joseph Fung and Sandvine founders inducted into Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Written by: Chuck Howitt | 01 June 2023 | Featured, News (L-R) Sandvine founders Brad Siim, Tom Donnelly, Dave Caputo, Don Bowman, Marc Morin, and Uvaro founder Joseph Fung. ( Photo: Alicia Gall, Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region. ) The Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall…
Ontario Trillium Foundation recognizes Financial Literacy work done by JA South Western Ontario for local high school students
Kitchener, ON – May 3rd. At the virtual JA Personal Finance Event, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario was pleased to recognize a $151,600 Grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to expand the reach of their financial literacy programs to high school students in Waterloo Region and Wellington. “JA South Western Ontario offers programs that help young people develop skills and…
Thank you Volunteers!
We’re celebrating our Volunteers for National Volunteer Week and we could not be more proud to do so. Our Volunteers make the difference in bringing relevant hands-on learning to thousands of students in our area. Thank you for your hard work and expertise! Here are a few Volunteers sharing their JA Experience: JA SWO NVW2023…
JA Announces 2023 Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductees
Junior Achievement (JA) South Western Ontario is excited to announce this year’s inductees into the 2023 Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. This year’s Hall of Fame will honour Don Bowman, Dave Caputo, Tom Donnelly, Marc Morin, and Brad Siim co-founders of Sandvine, as well as Joseph Fung, founder of TribeHR, Kiite and Uvaro. All…
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IN THE NEWS: Students get career advice from mentors at World of Choices event (Blackburn News)
High school students from across Chatham-Kent got the chance to explore career options and meet with industry mentors on Wednesday morning. The JA World of Choices event at the John D. Bradley Centre hosted 180 students from different schools in Chatham-Kent. They heard from five different mentors to gain first-hand insight into career options, benefits, and…
IN THE NEWS: JA hosts 180 students at World of Choices (Chatham Voice)
Secondary school students from across Chatham-Kent received an up-close and personal look at some of their career options during the JA (Junior Achievement) World of Choices event recently. The event, held at the John D. Bradley Centre, attracted 180 students who had the opportunity to speak directly with members of the Chatham-Kent business, government, social…
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IN THE NEWS: Junior Achievement SWO receives Trillium grant for financial literacy (Chatham Daily News)
Junior Achievement SWO receives Trillium grant for financial literacy To expand the reach of its financial literacy programs, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario has received a $154,100 Trillium grant. Author of the article: Trevor Terfloth Published Apr 10, 2023 • 1 minute read Shown are Lutz Plotsky, Ontario Trillium Foundation representative, and Karen Gallant, president and chief…
WE’RE HIRING: Fund Development Officer – London
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,…
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VIRTUAL PERSONAL FINANCE EVENT for High School Classes – March 28th
JA has an EXCITING new event opportunity for high school classes. We are offering GRADE 9 – 12 students across Southwestern Ontario, the chance to participate in JA’s ‘Personal Finance’ program in a new a unique way! JA is offering a Hybrid Virtual LIVE event this semester that you won’t want to miss out on! …
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IN THE NEWS: TD Bank Group Invests in JA Canada to Support Youth Across Canada with Financial Literacy Education (Yahoo Finance)
Over the next three-years, JA Canada will equip more than 90,000 youth from coast-to-coast-to-coast with the financial literacy skills and tools they need to be better prepared for the future with support from TD. TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2022 /CNW/ – JA Canada is pleased to announce a renewed three-year collaboration with TD Bank Group (TD). This generous…
WE’RE HIRING: Director of Philanthropy
Global Philanthropic Inc. (Canada) has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of JA South Western Ontario (JA SWO). For more information about this opportunity, please contact Gabriella Catolino, Senior Consultant, by email at g.c@globalphilanthropic.ca. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. Please send a resume and letter of interest to…
IN THE NEWS: Goodwill CEO, CultureWorks founder earn Junior Achievement honour – London Free Press
For the first time, Junior Achievement in London is adding two women to its Hall of Fame in the same year. Michelle Quintyn, left, chief executive of Goodwill Industries, and Tina Bax, founder of the CultureWorks language school. (Free Press file photos) For the first time, Junior Achievement in London is adding two women to…
Seeking Board Members for our exciting, growth-focused strategic plan
Overview Junior Achievement (JA) is a global organization, operating in 110 countries around the world. Our vision is a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Through the economic empowerment of youth across the world, global peace and prosperity become possible. In recognition of JA’s impact toward this…
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IN THE NEWS: JA announces Business Hall of Fame 2022 laureates – London Inc. Magazine
Tina Bax and Michelle Quintyn will be inducted into the London and District Business Hall of Fame in October Photo: 2022 JA London and District Business Hall of Fame inductees Tina Bax and Michelle Quintyn JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SOUTH Western Ontario has announced this year’s laureates to be inducted into the JA London and District Business Hall…
Thank you Volunteers! Celebrating National Volunteer Week
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…
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IN THE NEWS: Funding from Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development helps Junior Achievement bring game-changing program to youth in Hamilton
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…
Thank you Riverview Bingo!
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…
Nominations for 2022 London & District Business Hall of Fame open through March 25th
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…
JA Worldwide Nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize
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…
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IN THE NEWS: “Set to Celebrate” – London Inc Magazine
Junior Achievement hosts 31st Annual London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala honouring laureates Karen Fryday-Field and Joel McLean THE 31st ANNUAL London and District Hall of Fame Gala will take place tonight from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This year’s gala celebrates the achievements of two exceptional role models: Karen Fryday-Field, managing partner…
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MEDIA RELEASE – LBHF 2021
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…
BID NOW – Virtual Silent Auction for London and District Business Hall of Fame!
The JA LBHF silent auction is open and ready for bidding until Thursday, October 28 at 11:00am. Check out our enhanced auction platform and a number of impressive items including a selection of stunning jewellery from Gordon’s Gold, a range of experiences including golf at Sunningdale and Twin Streams, yoga passes, wine and craft beer…
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IN THE NEWS: “Promoting skilled trades as road to success” – London Inc. Magazine
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…
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JA South Western Ontario is supported by Riverview Gaming Palace
Did you know? Some of our ongoing support comes through funds raised at Riverview Gaming Centre in Chatham-Kent. We’re so grateful to the centre and everyone who plays there for helping us to invest in the leaders of tomorrow. Funds from Riverview have supported programs across all three JA pillars – financial literacy, work readiness…
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“Putting for Potential” Online Auction Open to All!
Support local students in Waterloo Region by shopping at our Online Auction, open until noon on October 19th. We have a wide variety of items including fitness, activities, jewelry, experiences, and gift certificates. Here are just a few: Blue Jays tickets Foundry Brewery – tasting and tour for 10 people Framed reprints – AC/DC, Led…
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IN THE NEWS: Libro Credit Union is first to invest in Junior Achievement amalgamated charter for greater impact on youth financial literacy
August 25, 2021 SOUTHWESTERN, ONTARIO – Junior Achievement South Western Ontario received a $114,750 investment from Libro Credit Union, setting even more youth up for success with critical life skills that reduce the likelihood of living in debt and ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty. By amalgamating with Junior Achievement (JA) Waterloo Region, Junior Achievement…
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! JA Putting for Potential Golf Tournament – Sept. 23rd
Registration is now open for our 29th Annual “Putting for Potential” Golf Tournament in Waterloo Region. Join us Thursday September 23rd at Rebel Creek Golf Club in Petersburg, ON! Learn more.
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MEDIA RELEASE: JA South Western Ontario & JA Waterloo Region have joined forces
July 19, 2021 – London & Kitchener, ON. JA South Western Ontario has officially merged 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. The new charter’s geography includes the…
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IN THE NEWS: “Regional Junior Achievement Charters Merge” – London Inc. Magazine
Junior Achievement South Western Ontario and JA Waterloo Region amalgamate to form one chapter JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SOUTH Western Ontario announced today that it has officially merged with Junior Achievement Waterloo Region to form one charter. Formed in 1963 and 1970 respectively, the two organizations will now operate as the amalgamated charter Junior Achievement of South Western…
Continue Reading IN THE NEWS: “Regional Junior Achievement Charters Merge” – London Inc. Magazine
JA South Western Ontario has joined with JA Waterloo Region to form one strong and dynamic charter
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,…
IN THE NEWS: “So You Want My Job: Non-Profit Executive” – London Inc. Magazine
Karen Gallant, the new CEO of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario, chats about working to make a difference, the digital transformation and her short-lived accountant aspirations. KAREN GALLANT IS the new CEO of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario, replacing Bev Robinson, who retired after running the London organization for nearly 15 years. Prior to taking the…
Continue Reading IN THE NEWS: “So You Want My Job: Non-Profit Executive” – London Inc. Magazine
JA Waterloo Region 50th Anniversary Campaign raises $170,451!
Kitchener, ON, July 5th, 2021 – After a nine-month celebration and fundraising campaign, Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region has raised over 170% of their original campaign goal with a total of $170,451. “We’re thrilled to see the community recognize the importance of Junior Achievement and the essential proactive education it brings to our students,”…
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JA Company Program Yearbook 2020-21
Here’s a yearbook for our 2020-21 Company Program! CP 2020-2021 Yearbook (002)
JA South Western Ontario & JA Waterloo Region Appoint New President And CEO
May 25, 2021 – London, ON. Junior Achievement South Western Ontario and Junior Achievement Waterloo Region are pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Gallant as President and CEO of both charters, effective May 17, 2021 Karen is taking the reins from Bev Robinson, who will be retiring after 14 years in the post at…
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IN THE NEWS: “Stop, Drop, open up shop” – London, Inc. Magazine
Turning its focus to transitioning onsite programs into virtual experiences, Junior Achievement continues the learning — and learns a little itself, too CAN YOU FORM a successful business with 15 people you have never met in person and likely never will? That was the question posed to students involved in Junior Achievement’s Company Program (a…
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JA hosts free online “Empowered Women” event for high school students on March 3rd
JA hosts free online “Empowered Women” event for high school students on March 3rd London & Kitchener, ON, February 25, 2021 – Junior Achievement South Western Ontario and Junior Achievement Waterloo Region are teaming up to present “World of Choices: Empowered Women”, a free online conference for female-identifying high school students across the region.…
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JA South Western Ontario Moves Quickly To Bring Free, Online Financial Management And Work Readiness Programs To Local Students
London, ON, May 11, 2020 – School may be cancelled, but the future certainly isn’t – in these uncertain times, financial management and business know-how are more important than ever. That’s why JA South Western Ontario has pivoted quickly to offer free online courses in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to students affected by recent…
JA London And JA South Western Ontario Join Together As One Junior Achievement
September 4, 2019 LONDON, ON – As Junior Achievement (JA) worldwide celebrates its 100th anniversary, two JA Charters in southwestern Ontario are joining together to serve more students. JA is a not-for-profit charity that provides financial literacy programs free to the youth in the community, delivered by JA-trained volunteers and mentors. Junior Achievement London and District…
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