Junior Achievement of Chicago partners with Chicago-area companies to create the workforce of the future. JA realizes its vision and purpose - to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy - through sequential and integrated kindergarten through grade 12 programs focusing on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. In partnership with business and educators, JA brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential. The business, economics and life-skill focused programs help students understand the relationship between what they learn in school and their successful participation in our economy.