Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
BMO Drives Social Change Through Financial Education
“We’re committed to doing our part to build a thriving economy, a sustainable future, and an inclusive society. Partnering with JA Central Ontario is a great example of how we work with our community to deliver on these goals,” says Derek Vernon, Vice President at BMO and JA leadership volunteer.
Creating change through youth empowerment
JA Central Ontario’s 25-year partnership with BMO is built on our shared values of financial literacy, empowering youth and supporting equity in our communities.
Together, we make an ongoing difference by ensuring the next generation of community leaders have access to engaging and immersive learning experiences so they can develop skills that last a lifetime. BMO’s support drives long-term change through these education opportunities.
Photo by: JA Central Ontario
In the 2024-2025 school year alone:
- 130 BMO volunteers delivered JA’s Economics for Success (for grade 8 students) and Personal Finance (for grades 9-12) learning experiences to approximately 2,150 students in 80 classes!
- 22 high school students, from 10 schools, had the opportunity to participate as one of JA’s Company Program teams thanks to BMO’s support. They were mentored by two BMO volunteers as well as three community volunteers who took on roles as advisors for the participants over the course of the 18-week program. The young entrepreneurs established their business, Vintage Arc, a company that created sustainable, quality rings from locally-sourced vintage cutlery. During the program, they planned and then launched their business, successfully sold over 60 products and realized a profit at the point of closing the venture. Additionally, the team’s creativity and marketing know-how was recognized when they were named winners of the Battle of the Ads.
- Over 200 Company Program student executives came together at the incredible BMO Academy for Student Management Training where they learned valuable skills through teamwork challenges and breakout sessions tailored to each role, including Presidents, VPs of HR, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Production and Technology.
“Seeing so many students benefit from the support provided by BMO and their passionate, community-focused staff team is incredible,” says Kim Charteris, President and CEO, JA Central Ontario. “By providing funding and sharing their expertise and encouragement with young people across the region – through 1,365 volunteer hours this school year alone - they are setting these students up for future success.”
Education as a catalyst for social change
Both BMO and JA Central Ontario want all young people in the region to have access to educational experiences that empower them to make their life and career goals a reality. With their financial and volunteer support, BMO is contributing to the creation of inclusive economic opportunities for young people across the region.
“BMO is committed to supporting high quality educational experiences that empower young people to reach their goals.,” says Derek. “We’re proud to partner with JA Central Ontario to create a future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, develop new skills, and put them into practice.” – while also giving our employee volunteers the chance to grow as leaders and build meaningful connections within their communities.”
The future is bright
With our shared long-term vision of empowering youth to thrive in life, work and leadership, BMO and JA Central Ontario are looking forward to fostering a bright future for all youth in Central Ontario.
Photo by: Leah Meddaoui
Creating opportunities for skill development
Throughout the school year, BMO created volunteer opportunities for their employees to mentor and facilitate learning experiences for local youth, hosted skill development sessions for student entrepreneurs taking on leadership roles in their JA Company Program teams, and provided vital financial support.
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.
