JA of Southwestern Ontario History Junior Achievement unior Achievement was first introduced to Canada in 1955 when Ralph Baker, former President of the Standard Oil Company, recruited Vancouver’s business community to provide programs for 250 students. However, it wasn’t until 1967 that Junior Achievement of Canada was formed to oversee the growth and expansion of JA charters and programs. Since then, more than 1,000,000 Canadian students have gained valuable business and job skills through Junior Achievement programs. Junior Achievement of Canada remains the nation’s largest developer of business education programs for students aged 8 to 19. Junior Achievement of Chatham-Kent Junior Achievement of Chatham-Kent was incorporated on May 10th. 1968. During the first six years, JA experienced a transitional existence, operating four company programs in four different schools. In 1974, JA Chatham-Kent purchased a building located on the corner of William Street and Wellington Street, which has continued to be JA Chatham-Kent's Centre of Operation until the present. In 1976, the building was expanded to its present size. JA eventually extended its outreach into the communities surrounding Chatham and the organization's name was changed to Junior Achievement of Chatham/Kent County to reflect our dedication to serving the youth in both Chatham and its surrounding area. Upon the amalgamation of the city and county, JA once again changed its name to JA Chatham-Kent to reflect the changing political climate and to emphasize the dedication we feel towards the citizens of our community. In the year 2008 Junior Achievement of Chatham-Kent celebrated its 40th anniversary. JA continues to be faithful in delivering the best business programs available and adheres to the values that has established it as an indispensable member of the Chatham-Kent community for over three decades. Junior Achievement of Sarnia-Lambton The Sarnia Jaycees formed Junior Achievement of Sarnia-Lambton in 1966 with the launch of the inaugural Company Program – a 20 week program in which Secondary School youth form and run their own small businesses under the guidance of volunteer business advisors. Incorporated in 1969 and now bringing programs to over 2,500 students each school year, Junior Achievement Sarnia Lambton is a respected and valued organization for youth. Our programming provides students as young as Grade 3 with introductory education about business, economics, personal financial management and invaluable introductions to the principles of goal setting and planning for a successful future. In 2001 the move to the Chamber of Commerce happened, which has been a good move for Junior Achievement because it puts us closer to one of our most importance stakeholders, the business community. The JA Centre, is located at 556 N. Christina St. with space being leased from the Chamber of Commerce. In the year 2009 Junior Achievement of Sarnia-Lambton celebrated its 40th anniversary. Junior Achievement of Windsor-Essex While JA has not been fully active in Windsor-Essex, there has been a long history of strong support and program delivery in this area. Currently JA is making its way back in to school in the Windsor Area. If you are interested in helping us do this by volunteering or sponsoring a program please contact our office. JA Chatham-Kent + JA Sarnia-Lambton + JA Windsor-Essex = JA of South Western Ontario Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario became final in July of 2009. Encompassing all of the above catchment areas this amalgamation is already proving to contribute to the success of expanding our JA programs to even more youth. All program dollars raised in each community will go towards the delivery of programs to that specific area. Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario would like to thank for all of their hard work updating our website. Check them out for all of your website needs!