Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Gamifying Learning to Build the Future: How Cognizant’s Support Prepares Youth for Tomorrow’s Workforce
Photo by: Henry Lin
The world is rapidly evolving, and changes in the workplace mean youth need new skills for a new world. This includes an understanding of new technologies (EdTech Digest and JA Worldwide, 2024), and transferable interpersonal skills (The Guardian, 2023). Today, digital proficiency is vital for students entering the workforce, enhancing technical skills as well as creativity, critical thinking and collaboration (CypherLearning, 2019).
JA Central Ontario’s partnership with Cognizant is supporting students as they look ahead to their future careers. Through gamified, digital learning experiences like the JA BizCafé program - where students learn business management through a virtual simulation - we are ensuring that youth are equipped to navigate the fast-changing digital landscape of the modern workforce.
INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY WITH BUSINESS SKILLS
Through three years of support, Cognizant has ensured that the next generation stays up to date with the rapidly changing world of work. They have empowered nearly 3,000 students through initiatives like JA BizCafé and Company Program, offering immersive learning experiences that blend technology with essential business skills.
JA BizCafé immerses high school students in a virtual business essentials simulation where they take on the role of managers at a small college-town coffee shop. The program uses a fun digital platform to equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills that they can implement in their everyday lives.
“After participating, [we] learned how to make vital decisions, including how business strategies and decisions can impact business performance. (…)’ says a JA BizCafé student. “Though this may be a game simulation, you should have a realistic perspective. BizCafé is a once in a lifetime experience with many learning benefits.”
Davis John Abraham, Senior Director – Head of Social Impact at Cognizant, emphasized, “Leveraging technology and gamified learning allows students to experience real world scenarios and make critical decisions based on real time data,” highlighting the practical benefits of the program.
“Students learn through doing, and the JA BizCafé program allows them to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom,” adds Davis Abraham. “To prepare the workforce of tomorrow, we must leverage experiential learning coupled with technology. Cognizant is proud to support [JA 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.
