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 COVID-19 school closures.

JA South Western Ontario, is dedicated to helping young students learn key life skills that will help them thrive in work and life as they grow up. They are now offering free, online programs for students in grades 4  to 12, focusing on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. These interactive digital programs offer a fantastic opportunity for parents and teachers to make sure students don’t miss out on important education at this difficult time.

For over 55 years, JA South Western Ontario has offered in-class finance and business programs for local school students. The organization’s traditional teaching model involves working with corporate volunteers who go into schools and share their expert advice and experiences with students. Now, with school closures extended until the end of May, the charity is taking their expert programs online to offer young learners a chance to take part from the comfort of their own homes.

With a shortened school year, many students will miss the opportunity to learn about basic money management, career planning, and the business world. Thanks to JA South Western Ontario’s programs, this information is now available online at no charge. Students can learn on their own with our self-directed courses, or teachers and parents can engage in the learning process with them through the teacher-led option.

“It’s been really powerful seeing how everyone in the community is working together to make sure our students don’t fall behind during these unprecedented times,” says Bev Robinson, President and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “JA is thrilled to be able to do our part with this new online programming that provides students with proactive solutions for their future.”

Real-world learning and a unique approach

These student-led digital programs teach learners from grades 3 to 12 the key tools they need to become financially savvy and unlock their inner entrepreneur. Courses range from the introductory ‘More than Money’ program – aimed at introducing grades 3 to 6  to the world of money management – to the higher level ‘Economics for Success’ program, which prepares middle school students for the world of work, learning to budget, and giving them the tools they need to thrive.

There’s a program for students of all levels, and each course has been tailored to reflect the curriculum and add to learners’ day-to-day educational journey by exploring real-life situations and challenges.

These programs are offered through an online learning management system (LMS), hosted by JA South Western Ontario’s parent charity, JA Canada. Students register through the LMS and can access the program that corresponds to their grade. Each course includes a mixture of videos, slides and interactive elements. Courses provide expert information and gives learners the chance to get hands-on with the concepts they’re exploring.

All JA South Western Ontario’s programs – online and in-person – are generously supported by our local business community. It’s thanks to this expert support that the charity is able to offer its unique programs to so many young people across the region.

To find out more about the programs and to enroll students, visit jacampus.org.

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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, Grey, and Bruce.

About Junior Achievement Worldwide

As one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide activates youth for the future of jobs. Through the delivery of cutting-edge, experiential learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA Worldwide creates pathways for employability and job creation. Each year, the JA network of over 465,000 volunteers serves more than 11 million students in over 100 countries.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Jenne Wason at 519-352-0151 or jwason@jaswo.org