Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
CIBC Fosters Financial and Social Well-Being as JA Partner
Photo by: Henry Lin
Making a meaningful difference for the future of local youth
This may sound incredible, but it’s true! For over 20 years, CIBC and JA Central Ontario have worked in partnership, focusing on youth education and empowerment. Last year alone, 98 volunteers from CIBC supported 2,822 Central Ontario students to build their skillsets and develop their mindsets, preparing each of them for a successful future.
“We would like to thank CIBC for sponsoring our company and providing advisors who played a crucial role in our success. Your support has been essential in our team’s development and growth. Thank you so much for believing in us and providing students an opportunity to learn more about the business world. We couldn’t have done it without your support.” – Team Tapi, Company Program participants. Tapi was named JA Central Ontario’s Technology Company of the Year, and Winner, Technology Category for the national Company of the Year competition.
We couldn’t be more thankful for the time and energy CIBC has dedicated to financially support and participate in mentorship roles for programs such as:
- JA Economics for Success: where grade 8 students learn what’s needed to succeed in today’s workforce
- JA Company Program: an opportunity for students to work in small teams to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills by creating their own company over the 18-week program
- JA Interview Night: when youth showcase their hard work and learnings and are recognized for their exceptional accomplishments made while participating in JA Company Program
“Students come back and tell us that the exposure and experience they received while in JA’s programs helped them write business plans in university business programs,” says Marianne Grimaldi, Company Program lead advisor from CIBC. “And just as importantly, it gives all students exposure to the planning, skills, and collaboration it takes to write a business plan and execute on it. This insight is invaluable in both entrepreneurship and the demands of working in a business.”
CIBC’s commitment to financial well-being initiatives is clear. By nurturing entrepreneurial skill development, we see youth develop the confidence and work-readiness know-how they need to plan for their future and create more equitable and resilient communities.
We value and appreciate CIBC’s ongoing determination to make a difference in the lives of youth in our region.
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.
