Two-Year Collaboration Will Support Work and Career Readiness Initiatives Across the Country, as well as National Student Events and Programming for Teens Through Young Adults

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Junior Achievement USA (JA) and Staples announced the creation of a new two-year partnership that will deliver work and career readiness learning experiences to JA students ranging from Middle School to Young Adults. This partnership will encompass local program support and volunteer engagement in eight communities served by JA, along with support for two national student events, aligning with Staples' philanthropic and community engagement priorities. The national partnership will also include collaboration on programming and curriculum for teenagers and young adults graduating out of the JA program and preparing to take their first career steps.

At the local level, investments will be made in eight selected local communities where both JA and Staples have a strong presence. This will include the engagement of Staples employees as volunteers and mentors for JA youth in communities Staples serves.

The eight communities are:

· Boston, MA

· Orlando, FL

· Chicago, IL

· Dallas, TX

· Des Moines, IA

· Atlanta, GA

· Philadelphia, PA

· Denver, CO

According to research by the Social Science Research Council, more than 4 million young Americans are “disconnected youth”, those between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not working or in school. One key objective of the JA and Staples national partnership is to help engage teenagers and young adults and help them better understand the connection between what they learn in school and future job and career opportunities.

“Junior Achievement has had a great collaboration with Staples on a community level for many years,” said Tim Greinert, President of Junior Achievement USA. “This national partnership will open the doors of opportunity for so many more teens and young adults due to Staples’ commitment to work and career readiness education. We greatly appreciate their support to inspire and prepare the next generation in the communities both of our organizations serve.”

“As experts in the world of work and as a company of caring people, Staples is proud to continue our legacy of community involvement through our partnership with Junior Achievement USA,” said John Lederer, CEO, Staples, Inc. “JA students have very bright futures ahead as entrepreneurs, leaders and business experts, and we’re pleased to play a role in building the experts of tomorrow.”

About Staples

Staples serves millions of customers, from businesses of all sizes to entrepreneurs, remote workers, parents, teachers, and students. Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Staples operates through eCommerce, direct business-to-business sales, and approximately 1,000 retail stores across the United States. Explore more at a local Staples US Retail Store, online at Staples.com or in the Staples App.