Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia What is JA? The business world is exciting, challenging and demanding. To succeed, today’s students need to begin preparing NOW! They need to begin developing the skills that will give them an edge. Junior Achievement helps students prepare for the future by giving them practical hands-on training, which also gives them the skills and confidence they need… today. Junior Achievement (JA), is an international not-for-profit organization established and owned by the business community. JA's mandate is to teach students from grades 6-12 about the principles of business through activity, dialogue and "hands-on" business experience using volunteer business people to deliver the educational programs. Introduced to Canada in 1955, JA is the world's largest and fastest growing business and economic education organization. Junior Achievement has helped 1 million Canadian students develop the leadership skills they need to succeed in school, the future workplace and in life. Supported by business and industry JA is dedicated to teaching young people about the principles and dynamics of business and of the Canadian and global economic systems through seven business education programs. JA programs help students understand economic principles and develop the following: Entrepreneurial skills Leadership skills Interpersonal skills Appreciation for life long learning