Mission
Inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy.
Vision
Junior Achievement empowers youth to own their economic success as the leading provider of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education for students in grades K-12 in Central Illinois.
Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Our close partnership with schools and educational organizations allows us to impact approximately 18,000 students each year through educational experiences and volunteer mentors.
Our Programs
JA’s volunteer-delivered kindergarten through 12th grade programs foster work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Students learn valuable skills from experiential lessons in the classroom—whether in-person or online. With the help of community and business volunteers, JA students develop the skills and confidence they need to experience the realities and opportunities of work and entrepreneurship in the 21st century global marketplace.
Junior Achievement’s unique and innovative program delivery system provides the training, materials and support necessary to bolster the chances for student success. Volunteer mentors share their workforce experience with students, all while teaching sound economic principles and reinforcing class curricula. Nine out of 10 teachers believe experiential learning is effective in getting students interested in higher education and careers.
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois currently serves participating schools and organizations in the following counties: Ford, Fulton, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Mason, McLean, Menard, Peoria, Sangamon, Tazewell and Woodford.
How to Help
Junior Achievement is made possible by support from local businesses and individuals. We rely on volunteers and donors to help us provide programs at no cost to the school. Each school year, JA of Central Illinois mobilizes hundreds of dedicated, well-trained volunteers, ranging from CEOs to college students, young professionals to retirees. They serve as invaluable role models, helping students understand the important role of education in their future success. To volunteer or make a donation, visit centralillinois.ja.org or call (309) 682-1800.
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois
508 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611
(309) 682-1800
Fax: (309) 682-3916
centralillinois.ja.org
[email protected]
Facebook: @juniorachievementci
Twitter: @JA_Central_IL
Instagram: @ja_central_il
Linkedin: @junior-achievement-of-central-illinois
Mary Pille, President
Angie Houck, Program Director
Heather Sexton, Development Manager
Sally Jo Eastman, Marketing & Special Events Manager
Ady Agrawal, Operations Coordinator
Carol Closen, Program Coordinator
Destinee Wilson, Program Coordinator
