Junior Achievement Europe
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
JA Europe is the largest nonprofit in Europe dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship. JA Europe is a member of JA Worldwide® which for 100 years has delivered hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. JA creates pathways for employability, job creation and financial success.
Last school year, the JA network in Europe reached almost 4 million young people across 43 organizations in 41 countries with the support of nearly 100,000 business volunteers and over 140,000 teachers/educators.
Country Information
Denmark faces two key issues: a 40% dropout rate in VET schools, risking students’ future education, and 30% of new businesses started by VET graduates. The program aims to motivate students and enhance business readiness. The last data has been used as reference to the fact that VET schools might represent an interesting pool of young talented would-be entrepreneurs – not an issue, justifying our intervention in this education sector.
Norway’s public school system aims for equal education for all, but there are large local variations and disparities exist, putting some students at risk; JA initiatives help bridge this gap by providing motivation, real-world experience, and workforce exposure.
In Latvia, 22.5% faced poverty in 2022, reduced by social transfers. Without support, 41% would be at risk, especially youth from disadvantaged backgrounds feeling disconnected from education and jobs. “Street youth,” despite having homes, face neglect and challenges like parental substance abuse, hindering their engagement with education and careers. The education system struggles to meet their diverse needs, leaving many feeling excluded.
In Estonia, a socio-economic gap exists between Tallinn and rural areas, limiting access to mentoring and entrepreneurial role models. Collaborating with the Rural Development Foundation, we aim to foster entrepreneurship education in rural schools. THF support will help establish mini-companies through inspiration events, training, and mentoring for supervisors.
In Sweden, the initiative aims to assist underserved communities, including VET students, rural residents, and youth with incomplete education. It focuses on low-income youth, at-risk students, ethnic minorities, migrants, and refugees facing cultural and language barriers. Support for youth with disabilities is also essential for their full participation in education and society.
The Need
Enhancing the self-esteem, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills of vocational school students facing learning barriers, special support needs, or social challenges. Empowering these young individuals to discover their inner voice, boost their courage to innovate, aspire for greater achievements, and reach their goals.
The Project We Fund
Young people facing life challenges need opportunities to find their inner voice, gain confidence, and realize their potential. This project connects Nordic youth from underprivileged backgrounds to the business world, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, financial literacy, and crucial digital skills. Through interactive training, engaging webinars, mentorship, and innovation camps, participants acquire the tools to thrive in future workplaces and integrate into their communities successfully.
Across the year, each country will implement targeted initiatives to support these youth. Denmark’s Kickstart Programme will launch in October, engaging vocational students with local competitions and national contests in November. Norway will provide year-round mentorship through the JA Company and Start-up Programmes, with volunteers as judges. Latvia will prepare students for the Regional Student Company Trade Fair and a national competition, while Estonia will host workshops on essential skills. Sweden will offer continuous mentorship for students in the JA Company Programme, ensuring they receive expert guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
The Result
Impact assessment will utilize a CRM system to monitor results. The team will maintain close communication with Concentrix to report activities and achievements, while JA Europe will monitor via regular interactions with partners.
