Leaders in youth education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Welcome to The Spark, our online magazine supporting our vision of building a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Here, you’ll find stories, insights, and experiences that show how we’re helping young people gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for success.
Come with us as we explore how we empower youth to make a positive impact on the world. Together, we can create a brighter future!
Charitable Giving – It’s Not About the Taxes
December 4, 2024
When I was in my teens, my grandmother told me that she and my grandfather sent money ‘home’ (to Ireland) as soon as they were married. Grandma Lily had come from Ireland at the age of twelve on a boat by herself and began working as a housekeeper in the early 1900’s. I could not imagine how much money they would have had when they married. I asked her why they would do this, and her answer was so simple it still brings a tear to my eye today, “We had more than they did.”
I was blessed to be raised by charitable people who consistently gave back. While I am not rich, I too have more than many and believe strongly in being part of the fabric of society that makes it richer.
Financial Health: Let’s Talk About It
November 20, 2024
When I was growing up, money referred to the bills and coins you had in your wallet (or piggy bank). Young people today are less familiar with physical currency, but their need to understand financial health concepts is the same. November is a great time to talk about money, since it’s Financial Literacy Month. This year, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is focusing on breaking the taboo around talking about money. It’s a perfect opportunity to highlight why it’s crucial for young people to learn about money from an early age.
From Bias to Breakthrough – My Lightbulb Moment about AI
September 13, 2024
At a recent Town Hall meeting hosted by JA Worldwide, I had a bit of a light bulb moment about Artificial Intelligence and what it could mean for future careers.
First, let me say when it comes to openness to AI, I’m probably about middle of the road. I have many (many!) fears about how AI will impact us in the future, but I can also see its benefits in different areas. I’ve dabbled a bit with the more recent generative technologies, but certainly have a lot more to learn.
Interview from the C-Suite: Adam Davis
November 18, 2024
Briefly describe your work journey that led to where you are today?
I founded Next Dimension 27 years ago with two business partners, starting out in a customer’s warehouse on Hawthorne Blvd. Back then, we had just one client, our personal PCs, and a mission to deliver outstanding IT support to businesses in the city. We didn’t have all the answers at the time, but we knew that if we provided exceptional service and built strong relationships, our business would grow…
Interview from the C-Suite: Larry Myny
November 18, 2024
Briefly describe your work journey that led to where you are today?
My professional journey began with 18 months in farm sales, where I gained valuable experience selling grain, fertilizer, and seed. This initial role allowed me to develop a strong understanding of agricultural commodities and their market dynamics. However, I eventually decided to pursue other interests that would lead me to greater challenges….
The Little Things Are the Big Things: JA Moments from 2023-24
June 28, 2024
As we finish out the school year, we wanted to pause to reflect on the work everyone involved in Junior Achievement gets to be a part of. Our Program Managers work with schools, teachers, volunteers, and students every day – putting together all of the moving parts that make our learning experiences happen. And they also get to see first-hand what a different a JA experience can make!
So we asked them each to share one impactful moment from this year – and of course because they’re wonderful people, they all gave us two! Enjoy…
Legacy Giving
May 21, 2024
A message from Hilary Leitch, a partner in Business Law, and Wills and Estates at Lerners LLP:
When I think about legacy giving, estate planning in general is what comes to mind. Through my work as a Wills & Estates lawyer, I have come to believe strongly in the fact that estate planning is for everyone – regardless of financial means or family circumstances, everyone 18 years of age or older should consider their estate plan. Often, this includes a Will, Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for Personal Care, but it may also include more specific planning measures such as trusts. Regardless, if estate planning documents are kept in good order, it is a gift (or guide) to your family and friends should anything happen to you.
Every Moment Matters: Celebrating JA Volunteers
April 25, 2024
April is a special time across the country and especially at JA as we highlight a network of unsung heroes—JA volunteers. These remarkable individuals dedicate their time, skills, and empathy to empower our youth. They are the “secret sauce” of JA, making our learning experiences come to life.
Let me take a moment to elaborate on the “secret sauce” analogy…
Lifting Each Other Up: International Women’s Day
March 28, 2024
International Women’s Day was March 8 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 in today’s workplace. I was also excited to learn that Melissa is a JA alumna, having completed Company Program in London. Another shining example of JA’s impact and outcomes!
Why RRSP Season Should Interest Teenagers and How Junior Achievement Supports Early Retirement Planning
February 22, 2024
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 teenagers should take an interest in retirement planning and how organizations like Junior Achievement are supporting youth in this endeavor.
Navigating the Future: A Strategic Look at HR Trends Shaping Youth Preparedness for the Evolving Workforce
January 31, 2024
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 Talent Leader, to gain her thoughts and perspective on the future of work.
Tell Me Why …
December 07, 2023
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 bars and such. Every one of those I had to….
Closing the Financial Literacy Gap: A Call for Collaborative Action
November 29, 2023
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 very first credit card. My reaction? No way…
Thoughts from the Quiet Kid…
November 15, 2023
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 seen, acknowledged, and definitely not heard…
That Back-to-School Feeling
September 29, 2023
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 start of the school year. Now with JA, September brings similar feelings of excitement…
A Change to Planned Giving Starts in 2024
August 31, 2023
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 Worker
July 27, 2023
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…
