Junior Achievement is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to own their economic success! Incorporated locally in 1983, Junior Achievement of Abilene (JA) reaches students in Taylor, Callahan, Brown, and Jones counties and eight school districts – Abilene, Baird, Brownwood, Clyde, Eula, Jim Ned, Sweetwater, & Wylie. JA's mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy. These goals are achieved through sequential and integrated kindergarten through twelfth-grade programming, connections with volunteer adult role models who bring programs to the classroom and experience-based activities that let students learn by doing. Junior Achievement of Abilene served nearly 5,000 students during the 2014-2015 school year and hopes to serve nearly 6,000 students in 2015-16. The programs help young people become more self-reliant through the development of: • Economic knowledge and understanding through experiential, hands-on learning. • Positive attitudes toward work and their contributions to a diverse society. • Desire to stay in school and develop their abilities and skills. • Mentor relationships with caring adults from the community. • Business and education partnerships that create a bridge between the classroom and the workplace. • Awareness of local businesses, industries, and career opportunities. Junior Achievement enjoys the support of more than 200 adult volunteers who give their time to empower the future! Join our amazing volunteer team and become a JA Hero today!