Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Cognizant’s Support is Shaping Future-Ready Youth
Careers Unlimited 2024 | Photo by: Isabelle Wu
In today’s fast-changing economy, innovation and technology are reshaping the future of work. To thrive, young people need more than just traditional education–they need digital, financial and entrepreneurial skills to navigate emerging opportunities with confidence.
That’s why JA Central Ontario is proud to partner with Cognizant, a global leader in technology and innovation, to provide meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for the workplace of tomorrow. Through initiatives like JA BizCafé, Careers Unlimited, Company Program and the SOAR fundraising event, Cognizant is helping to equip youth with the vital knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven world.
As a dedicated partner of JA Central Ontario since 2021, Cognizant has played a key role in fostering digital literacy, financial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
As a dedicated partner of JA Central Ontario since 2021, Cognizant has played a key role in fostering digital literacy, financial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
This year alone, their support has enabled 800 students to take part in JA BizCafé. This program is an interactive simulation where participants step into the role of business owners, making real-world decisions on pricing, marketing and operations. The impact is clear:
“Students learned more [through] JA BizCafé compared to what they would learn from the textbook. They were engaged, active and participating in the simulation,” a teacher recently shared.
Hear from Davis Abraham, Senior Director – Head of Global Social Impact at Cognizant, on why preparing youth for the future of work is so important:
Thank you, Cognizant! Together, we’re opening doors to new possibilities and empowering the next generation of leaders.
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.
