Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Building Financial Confidence at Every Stage with BMO and JA Central Ontario
From rising living costs to growing uncertainty around future planning and employment, financial literacy has never been more important for young people.
Through JA More than Money and Personal Finance, students develop the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions and navigate life beyond the classroom. Thanks to BMO’s long-standing support, more youth across central Ontario are gaining the tools to shape a stronger financial future
It Starts Early
Financial confidence begins early and evolves as students prepare for greater independence. Through JA More than Money, students in Grades 3–5 are introduced to entrepreneurship, money management, and the fundamentals of running a business through hands-on activities.
Preparing For What’s Next
As students approach adulthood, JA Personal Finance helps them navigate real-world financial decisions. High school students develop practical skills in budgeting, saving, credit, and financial risk management, helping build a foundation for future education, careers, and life.
Volunteers Bringing Learning to Life
Behind every JA learning experience are dedicated volunteers who bring real-world perspectives into the classroom. This year, more than 90 dedicated BMO volunteers helped deliver JA learning to over 2,100 students across central Ontario.
“The session was AMAZING! I’m truly privileged to have been able to provide this opportunity for my students,” shared Blake, a high school teacher in North York.
Long-time BMO volunteer Johanna Kozak reflected on a recent JA More than Money classroom visit, noting the students’ excitement and engagement.
“What stays with me the most is the creativity and confidence these students bring. The businesses they dream up, the way they think about how countries work together, and the questions they ask remind me why financial literacy matters so much,” she shared.
Thank You
Financial literacy is a lifelong skill and helping young people build that foundation early can have a lasting impact on their confidence, choices, and future success. Through BMO’s long-standing partnership, including its financial support and dedicated volunteers, more students across Central Ontario can participate in JA financial literacy learning experiences at no cost to schools. Together, these experiences equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex financial world and build brighter futures.
About JA Central Ontario
Junior Achievement (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.
