#United States #Miami #Junior Achievement #financial literacy #JA Miami

The 4th Annual JA Company Program Competition

As part of Financial Literacy Month, Junior Achievement of Greater Miami will celebrate the culmination of its 4th Annual JA Company Program Competition on April 14, 2026. This event marks a significant moment for young entrepreneurs in Miami, who have demonstrated remarkable creativity and business acumen throughout the year.

In this year's program, over 2,000 students from 20 schools participated, forming an impressive 70 student-led companies, setting a record for JA Miami. The competition serves as a platform for these students to showcase their businesses to seasoned judges, including influential local entrepreneurs and member board executives. Ten standout teams, distilled from the initial pool of participants, will give presentations to a panel of judges, vying for the top spot.

The JA Company Program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to conceptualize, create, and manage real businesses. This practical approach equips students with invaluable skills such as budgeting, market research, product marketing, and performance analysis. Each team's year culminates in the competition, aiding their growth as aspiring business leaders.

Key Event Details

The final competition will unfold on the campus of Miami-Dade College. Not only will it showcase the entrepreneurial prowess of the students, but it will also include a keynote address by Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and Founder of MoonPay and board member of Junior Achievement Miami. The event is expected to draw significant media attention, underlining the importance of financial education in today's world.

Among the notable figures attending this event is Lourdes Diaz, Chief Academic Officer of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, who will also share her insights on the critical role of programs like JA in fostering student entrepreneurship and innovation.

A Record Year

Reflecting on the current year, Junior Achievement Miami has achieved significant milestones. The prominent Miami teams from the previous year were also recognized on the national stage, with one team from Coral Gables Senior High School receiving the ICE Best Financial Performance Award. The other team from Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School was honored with the Student Choice Award, showcasing the profound impact JA Miami has on developing future business leaders.

Lourdes de la Mata Little, President and CEO of Junior Achievement Miami, remarked, "This program showcases a fantastic blend of entrepreneurship, innovation, and real-world skill development. Collaborating with local mentors and business leaders enriches the students’ learning experiences and helps cultivate talent for Miami's thriving tech community."

Conclusion

The JA Company Program is not only a contest but a comprehensive learning experience, engaging high school students across Miami-Dade County with hands-on entrepreneurial skills that will serve them well in the future. With the collaborative effort of volunteers, educators, and community leaders, Junior Achievement maintains its commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.

To learn more about the competition or attend the event, interested parties can reach out through the provided contact information. This event promises to inspire and uplift the entrepreneurial spirit among Miami's youth, emphasizing the need for financial literacy in shaping their futures.