JA of Central VA

How do we get students excited about the careers available right here in Richmond? Give them behind-the-scenes access.

During a JA Job Shadow at Davenport & Company, students from Hermitage High School students practiced real-world communication skills and gained insight into professional, local careers thanks to volunteers who showed up and shared their experience.

Partnerships like this power workforce readiness in the region, and we're proud work with Davenport year after year. Henrico County Public Schools

Community investment in action. 💸

We were so excited to welcome volunteers from Meta's Henrico Data Center to Finance Park where students from Henrico County Public Schools Public Schools tackled real-world budgeting, explored career paths, and discovered how the financial choices they make today shape their futures tomorrow.

Thank you to the incredible team at Meta for showing up for our students. You make the learning at Finance Park possible!

One teacher said it best after visited JA Finance Park yesterday:

"Some students picked careers that didn't bring in a lot of income, and it was eye-opening for them to total up their expenses and realize they didn't have enough money to cover them."

Students learn best by doing, and JA Finance Park is giving students the opportunity to explore what it takes to care for yourself after graduation.

Thank you to the volunteers from C&F Bank who made today possible for these students!

💬 “I need to go home and tell my mom thank you!”

That’s a common takeaway after a day at JA Finance Park.

Last week alone, more than 130 students from VCU Developing Men of Color, Rise Academy, and LC Bird High School stepped into their own custom adult scenario and learned the ins and outs of budgeting for real life.

These days come to life thanks to the guidance students receive from volunteers who show up, ask good questions, and share their own experiences.

This is learning that's preparing students for what’s next!

We’re proud to highlight our longtime partner Patrick Henry High School and Career Counselor Jennifer Crowder, who was recognized at a recent School Board meeting for earning the Outstanding Professional in Counseling and Career Development Award!

Career counselors play an essential role in guiding students toward informed, confident futures. JA programs connect classroom learning to real-world outcomes, including career exploration experiences that help students understand how their career choices impact future lifestyles.

We’re proud to celebrate this well-earned recognition and grateful for partners who champion career readiness every day. Congratulations, Jennifer!

Say hello and welcome to JA's newest team member!

We’re excited to share that Lindsey Moon has joined Junior Achievement of Central Virginia as Development & Events Coordinator. She's stepping in with a strong background in event management and stakeholder engagement, and she is eager to connect with students and partners across the Commonwealth.

Lindsey joins us finishing her undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), and she enjoys needlepoint and crocheting when not planning events or building partnerships.

Welcome to the team! ✨

Real learning for real life at JA Finance Park 💸

In this experiential learning space at , students step into the shoes and the responsibilities of a young adult managing real-life expenses.

From rent to groceries to savings, they see what it really takes to make a budget work. Thanks to volunteers from , , and our amazing community, this hands-on experience happens nearly 80 days each school year, preparing students for a financially confident future.

Our Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board had a great time spending an evening together this week thanking our community: the volunteers and donors making JA programs possible ✍️