Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
JA is for everyone, everywhere.
At JA Worldwide, not only are we committed to diversity of race, ethnicity, age, gender and gender identity, and sexual orientation in our staff, boards, and volunteers, we also highly value diversity of ideas, skillsets, industries, and geography to ensure our students are exposed to the greatest possible range of experiences and perspectives.
To best serve our students and offer them the experiences and role models they need to build self-efficacy, we seek to ensure that the JA network—including staff, teachers, business volunteers, and board members—is as diverse and inclusive as our students and alumni. With direct access to adults who share a similar background and set of experiences, JA students gain the confidence to amplify their voices, build sustainable movements, and work toward a better world.
Staff and board members:
JA is a network of teams, blending staff and boards of directors who are working on the ground in each JA location. This diverse group, coming from different backgrounds and sectors, reflects the multitude of geographies we serve.
Our staff and board members are also uniquely positioned to understand the local culture and context, thus reducing barriers and opening doors to business leaders, governments, and other stakeholders.
Our staff and board members not only ensure that more young people have access to a JA experience but also advocate for the impact of hands-on, immersive learning.
Volunteers and teachers:
The volunteers and teachers who partner with us come from all walks of life and offer a unique perspective on life and work. Yet each recognizes JA’s transformative power on their students and the dynamic influence on their own classrooms.
Teachers and volunteers also serve as role models and facilitators for JA learning experiences—a source of inspiration and encouragement for the young people in their classroom or project group.
Teachers and volunteers are at the heart of our Theory of Change, which builds youth self-efficacy, a major influencer of belief systems that then positively impacts choices, motivation, and behaviors.
Students and alumni:
For over 100 years, we’ve been equipping youth in every corner of the world with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Regardless of family income, social status, or local connections, JA students have the education and incentives to build businesses and learn to navigate the corporate world.
Increasingly, JA students are defining a new approach to business and entrepreneurship, working not only to create jobs but also to eradicate poverty, ensure the sustainability of the planet, and enable mental health. It is our privilege to educate a generation that is using its voice to make the world more ethical, just, and peaceful.