About Junior Achievement of Montana

Junior Achievement Volunteers

Junior Achievement teaches kids financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness through fun, hands on activities. JA has been active in Montana since the 1950s, primarily as an after school program for high school students. During the '80s and '90s Junior Achievement (JA) developed middle and elementary school programs. JA of Gallatin County was formed in 1994 to bring this wide range of opportunities to the Bozeman area.  In the past four years, the organization was awarded the statewide charter, expanded into the Billings area, and plans to serve 3,000 Montana school-age youth this school year.

Our mission: To inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. In simpler terms, we use role models to teach kids how money and business work so that they understand their impact on their communities.  We want them to succeed locally and compete globally.

JA of Montana's Vision: Tasked with revitalizing JA programs throughout the state four years ago, we became JA of Montana. This year we expect to reach 3,000 students in Billings, Bozeman and the surrounding areas, as well as statewide through partnerships with Montana credit unions. It takes a village to raise a child, and JA provides the bridge between the business and education communities to make this possible. We are a framework enabling the community to contribute to the success of the next generation. More than one hundred community volunteers give their time in the classroom, on boards, and providing technical support to allow us to impact as many students as possible each year.

We accomplish our goals by:

  • the desire in our youth to stay in school and appreciate lifelong learning
  • positive attitudes toward work and contributing to our society
  • business and education partnerships that create a bridge between the classroom and the workplace
  • critical skills that produce success

JA of Montana is a member of JA Worldwide, a global organization that operates in 122 countries and reaches 9.7 million students. Locally, JA of Montana is now developing a sustainable network to provide economic education to all school-aged youth in Montana. A statewide Board of Directors governs the organization, supported by local boards which determine direction in their communities. Get involved today!