Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
JA Career Accelerator Class of 2025 Wraps with JA Job Shadow Event at Zurich Canada
This spring, the JA Career Accelerator Class of 2023–2025 wrapped up their two-year learning journey with an inspiring one-day Job Shadow experience at Zurich Canada.
Over 150 high school students took part, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at workplace culture and learning directly from professionals in the field.
Spanning two days to accommodate the full cohort, the JA Job Shadow experience gave students an immersive look at the world of work. From resume tips to interview strategies and personal branding advice, Zurich Canada professionals shared invaluable insights to help students succeed in the next stage of their journey.
Day 1 Group Photo | Credit: Leah Meddaoui
A Heartfelt Thank You
Thank you to our incredible partners, Zurich Canada and Z Zurich Foundation for your unwavering support and belief in the potential of young people. A special thank you to Ray Chaaya, VP, Head of Talent and Shamita Kumar, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Program Manager & Community Lead at Zurich Canada for championing this program every step of the way. Thank you to all the Zurich mentors and volunteers who generously shared their time, stories and advice.
Together, we’re helping shape a future filled with opportunities.
Day 2 Group Photo | Credit: JA Central Ontario team
About the JA Career Accelerator Program
Starting in fall 2023, JA Career Accelerator is a two-year, experiential learning opportunity for high school students across Central Ontario. The program equips participants with critical workplace skills, meaningful mentorship and career-building experiences.
Throughout the two years, students participated in a series of learning experiences including:
- Career Success Skills: In-school sessions focused on communication, collaboration, creativity and personal branding
- World of Choices: A career exploration field trips featuring Zurich mentors and interactive roundtable discussions
- Innovation Camp: A fast-paced challenge encouraging teamwork and problem-solving around a real business scenario
- Job Shadow: A day at Zurich Canada’s Toronto office to learn from professionals and sharpen work-readiness skills
Students who complete the full program are eligible to apply for a post-secondary scholarship and exclusive summer internships at Zurich Canada in 2025.
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
