Overnight Oats DIY Kit Company Named JA Company of the Year

Student-led company Sweet Cham at JA COY tradeshow

Apr 30, 2025 (San Diego, CA) — Dozens of student-led companies shared their business solutions and entrepreneurial journeys at the annual JA Company of the Year Competition, held by Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA San Diego). Over the last several months, students have conceptualized and developed business ventures that aim to address an issue facing their community, while gaining hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial process.

“In my future, I really hope to be a small business owner,” said Sabine C., Canyon Crest Academy student and CEO of Oatley, an overnight oats DIY kit company. “This experience has been amazing. I’ve really learned how to build my confidence and pitch myself to so many people, whether it’s classmates, a teacher, or judges from different companies.”

With two-thirds of young people interested in starting their own business, this program introduces young people to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and shows them how they can turn a business idea into a profitable business venture. The skills students develop from building their own businesses fuel their early career journeys and support students’ long-term success in any career field.

“The major I’ve declared is psychology, and I want to make an impact by helping others. I hope that I take lessons learned from working in a team, taking feedback, and working with other people to better myself and better understand situations or individuals,” said Daniel P., a student from e3 Civic High.

Nearly 800 students across the San Diego region engaged in the JA curriculum with 125 students representing Canyon Crest Academy, e3 Civic High, Torrey Pines High, Oceanside High, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter, and CETYS participating in JA COY. The top teams at the JA San Diego Company of the Year Competition will be nominated to compete in the national JA USA Future Bound summit held at Georgia State University in June.

The following teams were awarded at the 2025 JA COY:

JA Company of the Year

  • 1st Place – Oatley (Canyon Crest Academy): Oatley offers overnight oat kits to provide an easy and healthy breakfast for people on the go.
  • 2nd Place – Sweet & Simple (Torrey Pines High): Sweet & Simple offers ready-to-bake cookie and cake boxes.

JA Social Innovation Challenge

  • 1st Place – Eco-Track (Chula Vista Learning Community Charter): Eco-Track is an app that allows users to track their carbon footprint.

Social Impact Tradeshow Award

  • Simply Sprouted (Torrey Pines High): Simply Sprouted offers DIY herb growing kits for beginners.

JA Innovation Tradeshow Award

  • Wave and Glow (CETYS): Wave and Glow offers ethically sourced seashell candles.

JA COY was made possible with the support of Comerica Bank, Fitzpatrick Family Foundation, PenChecks, and UC San Diego Park & Market.