Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Preparing the next generation to reach their full potential with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation and Zurich Canada
The Z Zurich Foundation and Zurich Canada’s collaboration with JA Central Ontario has been a critical support for local students across Ontario, empowering them with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to plan for a rewarding future.
Throughout this collaboration, over 5,000 students have been inspired by dedicated Zurich Canada volunteers who share their real-world experiences and empower students through impactful JA programs like Economics for Success, JA Company Program, and the new two-year pilot program – Career Accelerator - creating life-changing opportunities for students.
On May 31st, Zurich Canada hosted an awards night, celebrating and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of JA Company Program students and Career Accelerator students who have demonstrated exceptional personal growth through their participation in JA's unique learning experiences.
During this event, students had an exciting opportunity to attend a coffee with Saad Mered, CEO at Zurich Canada, where they learned about the skillset and mindset necessary to become global leaders of tomorrow's businesses and communities.
“Zurich Canada is proud to work alongside the Z Zurich Foundation and JA Central Ontario to ensure youth thrive in a changing world. Our ongoing collaboration with JA is one of the many ways we make a difference by contributing to youth development and expanding learning opportunities for the next generation of talent.” – Saad Mered, CEO, Zurich Canada
Students had this to say about their experiences:
“I had an amazing experience with the Career Accelerator. It gave me the opportunity to branch out into something I was on the fence on. I didn’t know I wanted to do insurance until I embarked on this Career Accelerator Journey.” -Brendan L.
“It was really fun talking to so many of the mentors, especially since they all had similar career paths that I dream of. It was an inspiring moment for me." - Wenny W.
“The JA Accelerator program has really helped me shape where I want to go in the future. Thanks to the experience I gained through meeting people from Zurich and being able to network and spend the day at the office.” – Ana C
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
