Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
A Family Legacy Built Through JA Company Program
One JA experience, two generations.
This Family Day, we’re celebrating how an experience with JA Company Program can create impact across generations.
For Bill Vuong, Company Program (known as Young Achievement in Australia) was more than a high school program, it was a launch pad. As a Grade 11 student, Bill learned what it meant to build a product, collaborate with peers and navigate real-world challenges. Years later, that same experience came full circle when his son, William, joined the program.
Now in his third year, William has stepped into leadership roles, including serving as President of his student-run company. Watching that growth has been especially meaningful for Bill.
"What surprised me most was his ability to rally his team and confidently represent his company. Those are skills I didn’t have at that age,” Bill shared.
Both credit Company Program’s hands-on entrepreneurial learning for shaping their paths. Bill discovered an early interested in finance, a foundation that influenced his career. For William, the experience sparked a drive to build something of his own and lead with confidence.
Watch their story below:
What is JA Central Ontario’s Company Program?
JA Company Program is an after-school entrepreneurial experience that empowers high school students to start and run their very own business. With the help of a student group and volunteer mentors, students create, manage, and liquidate a business in 18 weeks. Through Company Program, students not only learn how to run a business - they also meet new friends, connect with mentors, network with professionals, and gain the skills and experience to shape their futures.
Interested in getting involved next year? Find out more information and sign up for notifications here.
About JA Central Ontario
JA Central Ontario envisions a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. They want to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks to shape the future.
As a youth-centred charity, JA Central Ontario works together with a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and educators to deliver immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship and more. JA students benefit from mentorship and real-world experiences, transforming their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations as they build their futures.
JA Central Ontario impacts students in Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham and Simcoe regions. They are part of one of the world’s most-impactful youth-serving social good organizations – JA Worldwide – and they work closely with our national network, JA Canada
