JA Student Company Program is an educational program that is run at a limited scale and meant more to serve as a proof-of-concept. In this program, participating students learn important entrepreneurial skills while they create their own student company and operate it through an entire business cycle (From business plans through organization setup and operations to liquidation). The companies are
overseen by a Student ‘Board of Directors’, have articulated ‘incorporation’ documents and maintain their books of accounts. They make and market real products, raise “capital” and make “real” profits (or losses) with the support and mentoring of a wide range of professionals. The purpose of this program is to provide students as near real life experience as possible while staying within academic and age group limits. This program gives teens the opportunity to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of a local business volunteer. It is also a perfect example of a non-traditional classroom experience that can truly make a difference in the lives of participating students. Participation in the program brings out visible changes in students - a transformation into young, focused, confident businessmen and women as a result of their participation.
