Learning and Development for JA Stakeholders
JA University is JA Worldwide’s global learning and development hub—offering a powerful, interconnected suite of growth opportunities for our staff and close collaborators—and, increasingly, other stakeholders like alumni, volunteers, board members, and educators. Through JA University, we’re building the capacity of our global network to deliver deeper impact for young people everywhere.
From onboarding new hires and supporting first-time managers to convening experienced CEOs and training board members, JA University brings together the best of our leadership development programs, technical trainings, and learning exchanges. It’s a global platform for skill-building, collaboration, and knowledge sharing—designed to support professional growth at every career stage and across every region.
The goal of JA University is to build durable skills across our network: critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, adaptability, communication, and empathy. These are the skills needed to lead in a fast-moving world, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes what work looks like. JA University strengthens organizational resilience, supports cross-cultural collaboration, and builds leadership pipelines—ensuring that the JA network can continue to scale its mission and respond to a changing world.
JA University Opportunities
JA staff have a number of JA University learning and fellowship opportunities, many of which are led by JA staff around the world, ensuring that lived expertise and local innovation shape global learning.
Global Leadership Conference (GLC in-person): Held every two years, GLC in-person brings together senior leaders from across the JA network for shared strategy sessions and leadership growth.
GLC Virtual: Also held every two years, GLC Virtual, a virtual four-day conference, offers all JA staff focused, functional training in fundraising, learning experience management, finance, marketing, development, and so much more.
JA Global Orientation: A foundational onboarding experience for new JA staff, available globally.
Fellowships and Leadership Exchanges: Programs like the JA Worldwide Fellows, ROC Stars, and LEAD provide immersive professional growth and peer learning across borders.
Global Town Halls: Three times per year, JA staff and stakeholders come together to explore timely themes, best practices, and new tools.
Webinars, Microlearning, and Toolkits: A wide range of topical and technical trainings, from AI to youth safeguarding, accessible in short formats.
Communities of Practice: Peer-based learning circles focused on shared challenges and strategic goals.
JA University is a core element of how JA Worldwide advances its strategic vision and supports a globally connected, continuously learning network.