Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Empowering a New Generation: a new impact-focused strategic plan
JA Central Ontario introduces a new strategy that strengthens our focus on impacting the lives of young people.
We are living through a time of great change, challenge and opportunity. Never has the pace of transformation in an economy and in a society been as rapid and as radical as it is today. In recent years, we have seen social, environmental, and economic movements boldly confront the great challenges of our time – from the climate emergency, wealth and social inequalities to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing the emergence of fundamental changes to our society and perspectives on value and values.
This includes a notable rise in purpose-driven businesses – and anti-racism, reconciliation, and inclusion efforts are taking hold in leading institutions, corporations, and civil society.
In Central Ontario, over 647,000 young people in grades 3 – 12 are watching and engaging with these movements, events, and conditions. They have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic. They are thinking about what it all means for their future.
Here at JA Central Ontario, like many other organizations and individuals, we have deeply considered the role we play in this shifting world, and how we can continue to empower students in a rapidly changing society and economy.
Our Transformational Vision
Our new impact strategy, Empowering a New Generation, meets the challenges and opportunities of today – and tomorrow – with a fresh perspective grounded in diversity, equity and inclusion; youth engagement; and shared leadership and network building.
This strategy has been created with the leadership of our our dedicated Boards of Directors and Governors. It was also shaped by the input of our students, volunteers, staff, partners, educators, donors, industry.
It is our collective vision that:
Central Ontario’s young people are economically empowered with the skills, experiences and relationships necessary to lead fulfilling lives and shape tomorrow’s society and economy.
As we adapt, we too must also look to the future, anticipating what lies on the horizon and greeting the challenge with our entrepreneurialism and a learning mindset.
Aligning our Efforts to Impact
We continue to be grounded in the JA mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a changing global economy. We are driven by a portrait of our purpose where young people participating in JA Central Ontario experiences gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to realize the opportunities, and realities, of work, school, and life.
Together, we are working to ensure every JA Central Ontario experience fuels students’ dreams, bolsters their potential, and creates the foundation for the economy and society of tomorrow.
Our Strategic Priorities
Three interconnected priorities will provide flexible parameters to guide our work while also enabling creativity and purposeful adaptations as we learn what works and reach milestones.
SEEDING CHANGE
Nurture relationships, culture & capacities
FEEDING GROWTH
Generate resources to thrive
FULFILLING PURPOSE
Adapt, innovate & activate
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.
