Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
CIBC Champions Student Success at JA Interview Night
Time and time again our long-standing partner, CIBC, has shown their commitment to youth empowerment and future-ready skills development for young people in Central Ontario. We are honoured to work alongside the CIBC team, preparing local students for the future through immersive, real-world learning experiences.
About Interview Night
Every spring, after 18 weeks of hands-on entrepreneurship experience, Interview Night marks a key moment in the JA Company Program: it’s a launchpad for bold young leaders who are ready to take on the world.
CIBC has supported Interview Night for eight years, consistently showing up with a team of dedicated volunteers who are ready to inspire the participants, and in turn, to be inspired themselves. Their involvement reflects core values of leadership, community engagement and youth empowerment.
Photo by: Leah Meddaoui
CIBC Team at JA Interview Night
Photo by: Leah Meddaoui
A Longstanding Partnership Built on a Shared Purpose
At Interview Night, top-performing JA Company Program students and award nominees meet with a panel of industry professionals who serve as judges. The experience simulates real-world interviews and gives students an opportunity to sharpen essential soft skills such as communication, confidence and professionalism.
“The students are bold,” shared Forum Shah, Project Director at CIBC. “Bold in sharing their story, bold in asking for feedback, and bold in taking a chance. That boldness demonstrates a confidence and unique approach in how the future generation will lead–with resilience, empathy and the ability to make the right choices.”
Inspiring Growth Through Real-World Insights
By confidently navigating these interviews with creativity and professionalism, the students who participated in this year’s Interview Night left a strong impression on CIBC’s team. Additionally, these young people walked away with valuable insights and mentorship from industry leaders.
“It’s very hard to replicate the practical experience students gain through JA’s Company Program. With real-time feedback from seasoned professionals, it’s an incredible opportunity to build a strong foundation for success,” says Steve Tyers, Senior Vice President at CIBC and a member of JA Central Ontario’s Board of Directors.
Bold Steps Toward the Future
CIBC’s continued support not only enhances the JA experience for local youth, it’s helping to shape a generation of community leaders who are bold in their actions, unafraid to share their voices, and ready to lead with purpose.
Thank you, CIBC, for fueling successful futures for young people with JA across Central Ontario.
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.
