Junior Achievement of North Louisiana

A summer job is more than a paycheck, it’s often a young person’s first step toward independence, confidence, and career readiness.

Through hands-on experiences, students learn how to communicate, problem-solve, manage responsibility, and navigate the workplace, skills that last far beyond the summer season.

At Junior Achievement, we’re helping prepare students for those opportunities and the future ahead.

After 15 years of dedicated leadership, Junior Achievement of North Louisiana announces the retirement of Nita Cook. Throughout her tenure, Nita's passion for empowering young people and strengthening our community helped expand JA's impact across the region. Her vision, commitment, and service have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire students, volunteers, and supporters for years to come. We thank Nita for her extraordinary contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.

When education and industry come together, students benefit most.

JA’s partnerships help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, preparing young people to succeed in a changing economy.

Graduation marks the end of one chapter, and the beginning of a future filled with opportunity.

Junior Achievement helps ensure students cross that stage with the confidence and skills to turn their ambitions into action.

The connection between education and economic opportunity is evolving. Today, preparing students for what’s next takes more than academic achievement alone.

Early access to financial literacy, career-connected learning, and entrepreneurial experiences helps students build the confidence and real-world skills needed to navigate their futures and thrive in a changing workforce.

Our latest blog explores how these experiences help bridge the gap between classroom learning and long-term economic success.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4f0wZBl

Following 14 in class sessions of JA Be Entrepreneurial, the 2026 Junior Achievement of North Louisiana and Brees Dream Foundation, Trust Your Crazy Ideas partnership invited six teams to develop their idea during an 8 week, JA Idea Accelerator Workshop series. Here they worked with mentors to turn their 1 page Lean Canvas Business Plan into a pitch deck to present at the local then regional competition. During this program students develop the knowledge they need to become an entrepreneur while gaining soft skills such confidence and courage, that forever changes their life. Join me in congratulating JA NLA’s incredible teams!

Yesterday, Junior Achievement of North Louisiana announced our 2026 JA Laureates. We are extremely honored to have Patrick Lukacs, Jude Melville, and Mark Sealy, as our 2026 JA Laureate Inductees as partners for accelerating JA’s mission; to empower young people to own their economic success. Please join us in congratulating them on this recognition!

Barksdale AFB Airmen and Miss Ouachita Parish, Jasmine Henson volunteered for the Junior Achievement of North Louisiana program A.C. Steere Elementary School this week. They were great, thank you!

We had a great day implementing JA in a Day at Fairfield Elementary yesterday! The students had a great time creating new businesses, problem solving, and learning what it means to be a part of their community. Thanks for a fun morning, Bulldogs!

Join the support of The Community Foundation's Give for Good 2026 and support JA of North Louisiana. We cannot do what we do with you!