BOSTON — Junior Achievement of Greater Boston has received a philanthropic investment of $1.1 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott — part of a total of $38.8 million donated to Junior Achievement USA and Junior Achievement operations in 26 communities across the country.
Scott’s investment marks the largest gift from a single donor in Junior Achievement USA’s 103-year history, the organization said in a statement Tuesday.
Junior Achievement of Greater Boston seeks to close the wealth and opportunity gaps for youth in key impact communities — currently Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Quincy, Somerville, and Worcester — by creating middle school to career pathways, igniting youth entrepreneurship, and preparing financially savvy youth.
“We’re honored by and grateful for MacKenzie Scott’s incredible generosity toward Junior Achievement of Greater Boston,” said Junior Achievement of Greater Boston President and CEO Radhames Nova. “Investments like this one are the lifeblood of our organization, making it possible for us to support young people who have all the potential in the world and just need mentorship and guidance to find their way to a brighter future. We greatly appreciate Ms. Scott’s recognition of our vision, and we hope her leadership inspires others to help us further this important mission.”
The funding will allow the organization to “strengthen organizational infrastructure and implement several components of its vision,” the statement said. As a result of Scott’s gift, the organization will be able to fund Launch JA Inspire, a career exploration program designed to set middle schoolers up for success in high school and beyond. The program’s curriculum encourages middle school students to think about their interests, strengths and how they may turn those into a future career. It culminates in an interactive career exploration experience that exposes students to a broad range of potential careers through engaging and experiential displays.
The organization also plans to continue the activation of its JA Innovation Center in Charlestown. The educational space will empower city youth to launch and operate their own startup companies and gain the critical life skills needed to succeed in any career pathway they choose. The organization also has plans to establish similar centers in other communities, with Lawrence as the next priority.
The funds will also allow Junior Achievement to establish and scale JA Career Pathway for Alumni, a new initiative that will assist JA alumni in choosing a career path of their choice and help them prepare for, secure, and succeed in their first career opportunity post-high school.
The organization will also launch 3DE Schools by Junior Achievement in Boston Public Schools in fall 2023, and possibly in Lawrence in fall 2024. 3DE Schools use a new instructional model to expand economic opportunities for all students by making education more experiential and relevant; helping students connect their academics with the real world.
Scott’s investment builds on several others in support of Junior Achievement of Greater Boston, including $1 million from JA alumnus Bill Schawbel, $585,000 from an anonymous foundation, $110,000 from an anonymous individual and multiple investments from longtime JA partners like ALKU, Delta Air Lines, EOS Foundation, RSM, Santander Bank, UPS, Wayfair, Webster Bank, and others.
Scott’s donation comes on the heels of a new name and strategic direction for Junior Achievement of Greater Boston, which was previously known as Junior Achievement of Northern New England. The organization has shifted its focus to middle and high school students, connecting those most in need of opportunity to a future that they perhaps didn’t know was possible. Junior Achievement of Greater Boston served more than 6,000 students during the 2021-2022 school year, an increase of almost a third from the previous year.
Charlie McKenna can be reached at [email protected].
