70% of JA Fellows alum reported increased confidence across key work-readiness areas and report being more decided on a career field following participating in the program.

Students participate in career panels, on-site job shadows, and paid work experience that expose students to a wide range of career pathways and industries in their local economy. Through connections with professionals who share similar backgrounds and life experiences, students are able to envision their future selves in successful career roles.

JA San Diego invested more than $400,000 last year in wages to local students.

Recognizing that most of our students are currently in paid positions in roles that they do not consider “career-bound” jobs, JA San Diego has directly invested in our students and their communities by providing paid opportunities in roles that can lead to opportunities for growth and economic mobility.

56% of JA Alumni work or have worked in a similar career or position as their volunteer mentor 

JA builds lasting connections that enable students to thrive and pay it forward. Young people who received mentorship have higher graduation rates, increased college enrollment rates, and a more positive attitude toward school. Mentorships not only benefit young people in their professional journey but their personal lives as well by helping build self-confidence and strengthen interpersonal skills

235+ JA San Diego students have opened bank accounts through our JA Way to Save Program with Mission Federal Credit Union.

JA places a strong focus on real-world applications. Through this program, young people learn to manage their money using their own checking or saving accounts – developing skills such saving, budgeting, and writing checks while becoming familiar with banking institutions and the financial tools available to them.

Read the 2025 Junior Achievement Alumni Report.