View the Full 2025 Impact Report
Our annual Impact Report provides a deeper look at the students, programs, partnerships, and outcomes that defined the 2024–2025 school year for Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts.
Every day across Southern Massachusetts, young people wake up with dreams in their hearts, untapped potential in their hands, and a desire to shape a brighter future. Yet for many, the path toward opportunity is anything but straightforward. Economic mobility continues to decline, with research showing a 45% drop in the likelihood that children will earn more than their parents, and 39% of workforce skillsets expected to be transformed or outdated within only five years.
In this landscape of rapid change and widening gaps, one organization continues to stand as a steady force of hope, resilience, and opportunity: Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts (JA).
In 2025, JA’s work reached new heights. With the guidance of its Board of Directors, the dedication of its staff, and the unwavering support of educators, partners, and community leaders, JA empowered thousands of young people with the skillsets, mindsets, and confidence they need to own their future. This is more than curriculum, more than programming. It is a movement to build a stronger, more vibrant region where every student has equitable access to opportunity.
“We empowered thousands of young people to build the skills, confidence, and vision they need to own their future… This is more than education – it’s a movement to strengthen our region’s economic vitality, empower our talented local youth, and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.”
This is the story of how that movement unfolded over the past year – and how it continues to grow.
A Legacy of Impact, Rooted in Community
Junior Achievement has deep roots in Southern Massachusetts. What began more than a century ago with JA’s national founding in 1919 has grown into a vibrant regional force for youth empowerment. JA chapters in New Bedford (1948), Fall River (1976), and Attleboro (1977) eventually merged in 1999 to create the unified organization that serves our communities today.
In 2025, that reach expanded once more.
Across this diverse geography, JA brings learning to life through experiential education, volunteer-driven programming, and hands-on career readiness initiatives. These are not just lessons; they are building blocks for lifetime success.
The Challenge: A Region in Need of Opportunity
Opportunity is not evenly distributed. Research highlighted in this year’s Impact Report shows that of the 28 known factors that increase lifetime earning potential, the top seven exist at the intersection of education and career.
- Completing high school
- Pursuing or completing post-secondary education
- Receiving mentorship
- Obtaining a job with advancement opportunities
- Receiving skills training
- Earning credentials
- Exploring entrepreneurship
JA’s model is uniquely positioned to address these critical drivers. From the earliest grades through young adulthood, JA provides real-world learning, career exposure, mentorship, and essential skill-building, creating the conditions young people need to thrive.
Supporting Our Local Schools: Reaching Students Where They Are
At the heart of JA’s mission is a simple belief: every child deserves access to high-quality education that connects learning to life.
These programs are brought to life by dedicated volunteers who enter classrooms not just as instructors, but as role models. Their presence is powerful, and students feel it.
A 2nd-grade educator in Taunton shared:
“Our students could see themselves in these volunteers and start to think about their lives beyond elementary school.”
A 3rd-grade student reflected:
“I learned about saving money and what is something I need to spend money on… I liked getting to have a special teacher for a day who works at a bank.”
A 1st-grade educator in Fall River added:
“It’s sparked curiosity, encouraged teamwork, and helped them make real-world connections in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.”
These moments of discovery – recognizing a future possibility, asking new questions, imagining new paths – are the seeds of economic mobility. JA plants those seeds early, and with care, they grow.
Beyond the Classroom: Re-Engaging Opportunity Youth
While early intervention is essential, JA also recognizes the urgent needs of young adults who have disengaged from traditional education pathways. Through partnerships with the MassHire Bristol Workforce Board and MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board, JA leads a regional workforce development initiative serving opportunity youth ages 16-24.
Participants are supported as they:
- Earn their HiSET high school equivalency
- Obtain industry-recognized career credentials
- Access real-world work experience, internships, and job placements
- Build essential life and professional skills such as financial literacy, communication, and problem-solving
This work is life-changing. And no story demonstrates that more than Stevenson’s.
Stevenson’s Story: A Journey of Strength, Hope, and New Beginnings
When Stevenson arrived in New Bedford from Haiti, he carried dreams of building a better life but faced profound challenges. Forced to leave high school due to circumstances beyond his control, he suddenly found himself without stability or direction.
That’s when Junior Achievement stepped in.
JA mobilized resources to meet Stevenson’s basic needs, creating the foundation he needed to rebuild. Through the Out-of-School Youth Program, Stevenson gained access to credentialing opportunities, financial literacy education, and structured career pathways.
He earned a customer service and sales credential. He secured a job in retail. He transitioned into a better position in manufacturing. He is now studying for his high school equivalency exam, preparing for his driver’s license, and recently moved into his own apartment with his brother.
In his own words:
“Junior Achievement has been supporting me through everything. They never gave up on me… I just want to say thank you to everyone for all of the support. I’m excited to see how far I can go.”
Stevenson’s story is one of many. But it reminds us that when young people are given the tools, guidance, and belief they deserve, they don’t just succeed – they soar.
Collaboration That Strengthens Our Communities
JA’s mission is rooted in partnership. Across Southern Massachusetts, the organization collaborates with schools, nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and community leaders to open doors for youth and strengthen the regional workforce.
This year’s report highlights collaborations with:
- Taunton Public Schools, expanding school-wide partnerships including JA Days that serve hundreds of students
- Senator Michael Rodrigues and the SouthCoast Community Foundation, supporting programming and community empowerment efforts
- The New Bedford Economic Development Council, connecting youth with career exploration and post-secondary pathways
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro South and Bristol County Savings Bank, bringing “It’s My Future” programming to youth in Taunton
- Community Boating Center, supporting leadership development for junior sailing instructors
- Southcoast Health, amplifying JA through volunteerism and community engagement
These partnerships demonstrate a region united in one goal: empowering the next generation.
Signature Events That Inspire and Connect
Junior Achievement’s events not only raise critical support but ignite student curiosity and showcase the power of experiential learning.
JA Titan Business Challenge
Each year, more than 200 high school students engage in a high-energy business strategy competition at UMass Dartmouth. Students learn to think like CEOs, make financial decisions, and compete in a dynamic marketplace simulation.
Scholarship awards include:
- $1,000 per student for first place
- $750 per student for second place
- $500 per student for third place
Celebrating Student Innovation: The Local Pitch Competition
One of the year’s most inspiring highlights was the Local Pitch Competition at UMass Dartmouth – a powerful showcase of creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking from local high school students. Participants from New Bedford High School, Taunton High School, Taunton Alternative High School, and Durfee High School developed and presented business ideas that reflected both imagination and real-world insight.
The event brought an incredible energy into the room as students stepped into the role of young entrepreneurs, refining their concepts, practicing persuasive pitching, and building confidence with every step. Supported by educators, mentors, and generous community partners, the competition offered students a meaningful opportunity to discover their own potential as innovators.
This celebration of youth entrepreneurship is a vivid reminder of what becomes possible when young people are given space to dream big, and the support to turn those dreams into action.
JA Southern Massachusetts Youth Summit: Coming in 2026
Hosted at UMass Dartmouth, the Summit convenes students, educators, industry leaders, and community partners to explore the theme “The World of Tomorrow: AI as the Next World’s Fair Moment.” Through fireside chats, breakout sessions, and cross-sector networking, the Summit amplifies youth voice and prepares students to lead in an AI-driven world.
A Community of Supporters Making Impact Possible
JA’s work is fueled by generous supporters, including major partners such as:
- Carney Family Charitable Foundation
- MassHire Workforce Boards
- Santander Bank
- Bristol County Savings Bank and Charitable Foundation
- Horace A. Moses Foundation
- SouthCoast Community Foundation
- Webster Bank
- BayCoast Bank
- Milestone Mortgage Solutions
- Polaroid Fund
This collective investment ensures JA can continue providing programs free of charge, reaching thousands of young people each year.
The Path Forward: Building a Brighter Future, One Student at a Time
Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts is not just preparing youth for the future – it is helping them shape it.
“Our commitment remains steadfast: to accelerate opportunity and economic mobility for youth across Southern Massachusetts… to ensure the next generation is not only prepared for what’s next – but inspired to shape it.”
Through hands-on learning, mentorship, career exploration, financial literacy, and deep community partnerships, JA is building a region where every young person has the tools to thrive.
A region where opportunity is accessible.
Where potential is nurtured.
Where dreams are not limited by circumstance.
Together, we are empowering youth.
Together, we are accelerating opportunity.
Together, we are building a stronger Southern Massachusetts – one student at a time.
