Building futures and inspiring students to succeed across Southern Alberta
Empowering students with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience they need to succeed. Through strong partnerships with educators, volunteers, and community organizations, JA Southern Alberta delivers practical learning experiences that connect education with the real world.
JA SOUTHERN ALBERTA
OUR STORY
Passionate About Helping Youth Succeed
Established in 1960, JA Southern Alberta has spent decades preparing young people for the future of work. As the local charter of Junior Achievement, we connect classrooms with the business community by bringing real-world experience directly to students across the region.
Powered by volunteers and supported by generous partners
Our programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness help students build confidence, discover possibilities, and define their own path forward.
As we look to the next decade, JA Southern Alberta remains focused on expanding access, strengthening educator support, and increasing our impact so that more young people across Alberta can experience meaningful, life-shaping learning opportunities.
Our Approach
JA Southern Alberta delivers experiential learning programs that connect classroom education with real-life application. With the engagement of community volunteers, our programs inspire and educate young Albertans by developing entrepreneurial, financial literacy, and leadership skills.
Our work is grounded in three pillars:
Financial Literacy
JA programs build strong financial skills, with graduates who save more, borrow less, and feel confident in budgeting, long-term planning, and investing. The result: financially resilient students who are better prepared for the future.
Work Readiness
JA graduates report stronger motivation to stay in school, pursue post-secondary education, and succeed in the workplace. The result: job-ready individuals with clearer career paths and the skills employers need.
Entrepreneurship
JA inspires students to become entrepreneurs who start businesses, create jobs, and fuel economic growth. Our alumni credit JA with building the ambition and practical skills needed to launch and lead successful ventures.
Proudly Serving Communities Across Southern Alberta
Calgary & Area
JA Southern Alberta’s head office delivers programs to the cities of Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Canmore, Banff, Morley, Cremona, Carstairs, Priddis, Bragg Creek, Springbank, Bearspaw, Crossfield, Exshaw, Strathmore, Balzac, Irricana, Rosebud, Rockyford, Standard, Hussar, Indus, Langdon, Chestermere, Beiseker, Mossleigh, Gleichen, Carsland, and Bassano.
Central Alberta
Junior Achievement programs and volunteer opportunities are available in Red Deer, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, Rimbey, Bentley, Sylvan Lake, Caroline, Penhold, Innisfail, Olds, Bowden, Sundre, Didsbury, Delburne, Alix, Mirror, Bashaw, Lacombe, Leslieville, and Eckville.
East Central Alberta
Junior Achievement programs and volunteer opportunities are available throughout Stettler, Castor, Coronation, Veteran, Consort, Halkirk, Altario, Youngstown, Hanna, Byemoor, Big Valley, Elnora, Trochu, Three Hills, Torrington, Morrin, Delia, Drumheller, Linden, and Acme.
Foothills
JA Southern Alberta is proud to offer student programs and volunteer opportunities throughout Okotoks, High River, DeWinton, Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Longview, Aldersyde, Blackie, Cayley, Nanton, Stavely, Claresholm, Vulcan, Champion, Carmangay, and Lomond.
Lethbridge & Area
Programs and volunteer opportunities are accessible in Lethbridge, Coaldale, Taber, Fort Macleod, Picture Butte, Raymond, Magrath, Cardston, Pincher Creek, Warner, Milk River, Vauxhall, Nobleford, Blairmore, and Coleman.
Medicine Hat & Area
JA Southern Alberta programs are accessible to students and volunteers throughout Medicine Hat, Oyen, Empress, Schuler, Redcliff, Irvine, Seven Persons, Bow Island, Ralston, Burdett, Foremost, Brooks, Rolling Hills, Tilley, Duchess, and Jenner.
Programs are available across all regions served by JA Southern Alberta through partnerships with local schools, volunteers, and community organizations.
Governance and Transparency
JA Southern Alberta is committed to strong governance, accountability, and transparency. As a registered charity, we operate with oversight from a dedicated Board of Directors and maintain publicly available financial reporting to ensure responsible stewardship of community support.
Leadership
JA Southern Alberta is guided by an experienced leadership team and supported by a dedicated Board of Directors and staff committed to student success. Together, they ensure the organization remains innovative, responsive, and focused on expanding impact across the region.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We at Junior Achievement are dedicated to providing a positive, enriching learning experience free of bias that promotes greater economic opportunity and equity. Junior Achievement welcomes K-12 students, volunteers, educators, staff, and other partners and stakeholders, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic.