Letter From the President

To our community,

One million students. Countless futures changed. As Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans celebrates this historic milestone, we remain focused on what comes next.

For 70 years, JA has empowered young people to achieve financial security, career success, and entrepreneurial dreams. Now, we stand at a pivotal moment. To ensure the next million students have the opportunities they deserve, we must invest in JA’s future—building a sustainable foundation that will transform lives for generations to come.

Economic mobility is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and creating generational success. By strengthening Junior Achievement in our region, we can equip students with financial literacy, career skills, and entrepreneurial mindsets—empowering them to take control of their futures and uplift their communities. A stronger JA means more opportunities, more life-changing programming, and more impact. By contributing today, you are ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the tools to build a brighter future. Join us in this transformational effort—your support will create lasting change for generations to come.

To our alumni—your journeys are the heart of this celebration. Share your story with us and inspire the next generation. To our corporate partners, this is your chance to make a bigger impact: invest in our mission and encourage your employees to volunteer with JA this year. And to our long-time supporters, we’re calling on you to give just a little more—your dedication has brought us here, and with your help, we’ll go even further.

With impactful programs like JA Job Shadow to innovative local initiatives like JA StartUP, we’re empowering students to dream big and achieve their goals. As we celebrate our 1 millionth student, we’re also setting the stage for the next million. By fostering economic mobility and driving systemic change, we can break down barriers that limit opportunities and create pathways to success for all young people. With your support, we can expand opportunities across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, ensuring every student has the tools to build a brighter future.

One million is more than a milestone; it’s a movement. Together, we can ensure that Junior Achievement remains a powerful force for economic empowerment for years to come. Donate, volunteer, or partner with us today—and help shape a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

Let’s make this year a year that changes everything.

With gratitude,

Larry Washington

President