Junior Achievement and Staples Launch National Partnership Focused on Work and Career Readiness for America’s Youth

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.

Junior Achievement and Staples Cause for Caring, Inc. Join Forces to Empower Youth Nationwide Through Multi-Year Grant Program

Atlanta, Georgia – Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia proudly announces its groundbreaking partnership with Staples Cause for Caring, Inc. (Staples), uniting efforts in an innovative nationwide initiative across eight local JA operations. Together, we are igniting a transformative approach to education, enhancing work and career readiness skills, and fostering a pathway toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

This strategic collaboration is built on a foundation of comprehensive lessons designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and confidence required for success in their careers. Our joint endeavor embodies Staples’ unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community engagement, setting the stage for a multi-year journey of support. The partnership’s inaugural step involves a substantial planned gift of $250,000 for 2023, with the potential for further contributions in subsequent years, subject to collaborative evaluations.

This dynamic alliance will propel a comprehensive suite of programs, strategically tailored to elevate the education and professional readiness of our youth. Deployed in specific markets, these initiatives act as catalysts for youth empowerment and community growth. Our sponsorship structure bolsters JA educational programs like JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE by Junior Achievement are all geared toward nurturing the talents of our future leaders.

United by a shared dedication to youth development and community enrichment, Staples and Junior Achievement of Georgia exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration. Together, we are prepared to drive tangible change, equipping young individuals with the tools they need to thrive and excel in an ever-evolving world.

About Junior Achievement of Georgia
Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is a business-integrated education partner with expertise in experiential learning that successfully develops key mindsets and skills for students to lead meaningful and successful lives. JA’s high-impact programs drive long-term outcomes in areas of financial literacy, career readiness, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, and are they delivered by corporate and community volunteers. JA of Georgia offers multiple programs, with a focus on middle and high school students, including JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE by Junior Achievement. JA of Georgia serves more than 100,000 students statewide in an average year. JA of Georgia has offices in Atlanta, Cumming, Dalton, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, and Savannah. For more information, visit georgia.ja.org