Junior Achievement Pushes Students Forward
A local non-profit organization has its sights on assisting middle-school students with their future.
Junior Achievement (JA) has a century of work in this field. I spoke with Director of Development Cassi Steenblok about the organization and what is in store.
What is the mission of Junior Achievement? When did it get started nationally, and then in Rhode Island?
Cassi: The mission of Junior Achievement of Rhode Island is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. The national organization was founded in 1919, with programming coming to Rhode Island in 1921. The local chapter was incorporated in 1949 with the support of 22 business leaders, many of whose companies are still partnering with the organization.
What groups and organizations do they serve?
Cassi: For over 100 years, we have provided programs to K-12 students. The programs are age-appropriate and schools can select the program that most meets their needs and the needs of their students. In the 2024-2025 school year, we reached nearly 12,000 students in 75 schools in 22 different districts. We work predominantly in the urban core with 82% of programs offered in urban and urban-ring communities.
What programs and services does JA provide? Are there costs for the students or the schools? How us the money raised, if needed?
Cassi: Middle and high school programs vary depending on the program. They can be a one-hour guest speaker, a multiple-week program, or a full semester program. Middle school programs focus on personal finances and the skills needed when you have a job. High school programs help students make informed, intelligent decisions about their future, and fosters skills that will be highly useful in the business world. They include things like buying a car, business planning, investing, and job shadowing.
JA programs are provided at no cost to schools and students, so the funding we raise is important to expanding our reach to more young people. Every dollar goes right back into the community. With today’s rapidly-changing economy, it is more important than ever for our young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to learn what it takes to succeed.
Tell me more about the upcoming event happening in early December.
Cassi: JA Inspire is a coalition of educators and industry leaders, led by Junior Achievement of Rhode Island. At the center of our work is a powerful career exploration fair where 5,000 8th graders from around the state visit the Rhode Island Convention Center to learn from 90 exhibitors representing high-growth, high-demand careers here in Rhode Island. Prior to the fair, students do an in-class curriculum to prepare and learn more about careers and what opportunities interest them.
Careers highlighted will include opportunities from local businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and high school programs. Each booth will have a hands-on activity for students to explore. We intentionally work with 8th graders because it is the best time to show them what a path will look like. They can see a high school program, college, apprenticeship program, and/or local business in a career they want to pursue. This helps make their goals feel attainable. If they cannot see it, they cannot be it. JA Inspire helps students not only envision their future, but also try it out and meet the mentors who can help them get there.
There is no fee for students, but most vendors do have to pay to exhibit. This includes a booth for all three days, December 9-11, 2025, and the opportunity to connect with thousands of young people from all over the state. Currently, we are looking for companies and high schools who are interested in exhibiting, middle schools to send students, and volunteers to make the event run smoothly. It is not open to the public, so everyone who wants to attend should do so with their school or company.
How can businesses get involved?
Cassi: There are multiple ways to get involved. In order to be successful, JA needs three things: funds, volunteers, and school partners. If you are able to support financially, personally or through your company, that goes a long way. You can make a donation or get involved with our events. If you can give your time and talent, we are always looking for volunteers. You can give as little as one hour or as many as multiple weeks. And finally, if you are an educator or run a youth-based organization, we are happy to partner with you to provide financial literacy, work readiness, or entrepreneurship programs.
Contact information to JARI and/or the event.
Cassi: To get involved, you can visit the JA website at www.jarhodeisland.org or contact me at cassi.steenblok@ja.org or 401-331-3850
To participate in JA Inspire you should visit the website at www.jainspireri.org