Program Spotlight: Junior Achievement of Georgia is Building Future Leaders

Leadership is about character, which comprises essential qualities such as respect, empathy, lack of blame, emotional mastery, humility, responsibility, self-confidence, accountability, focus on the whole, and courage. Junior Achievement of Georgia (JA of Georgia) plays a vital role in nurturing these character traits among young individuals through its innovative programs.

Junior Achievement of Georgia was founded in 1949 with a mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Their programs bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world challenges by offering hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work-readiness.

In JA of Georgia's programs, respect and empathy are cultivated through activities that promote teamwork and open-mindedness. Students learn to appreciate diversity and develop compassion for others.

The organization also encourages a lack of blame and emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability. Students are taught that success and failure are part of the learning process, and they are encouraged to take ownership of their decisions.

Emotional mastery is a hallmark of effective leadership character. JA of Georgia helps students identify and understand their emotions, teaching them to manage stress, control impulses, and communicate effectively.

Humility is fostered through exposure to guest speakers and mentors who share their experiences and journeys to success. By acknowledging the efforts of others, students learn the importance of humility in leadership.

JA of Georgia empowers students with a sense of responsibility for their futures through financial literacy and work-readiness programs. As they become more self-confident, students are better prepared to set goals and pursue their passions.

Accountability is developed in JA programs as students realize that their actions have consequences. They learn to take risks, learn from their experiences, and understand their role in shaping outcomes.

Leadership character requires a holistic approach, considering the well-being of all stakeholders involved. JA of Georgia emphasizes community engagement and social responsibility to instill a focus on the whole.

Courage is encouraged as students are taught to step out of their comfort zones, take on leadership roles, and face uncertainties with bravery.

Junior Achievement of Georgia plays a significant role in building leadership character among the youth of the state. Forty percent of Georgia's middle school students have been impacted by a JA Discovery. Through their programs, students develop essential traits such as respect, empathy, responsibility, humility, and courage. These character qualities go beyond traditional education and prepare young individuals to become ethical and well-rounded leaders. With the support of JA of Georgia, the future holds promising leaders who will make a positive impact on society with their integrity, compassion, and vision.