2023/24 Annual Report
An overview of JA Europe's activities and achievements funded by the European Union during the 2023-2024 period.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF PETROS: FROM UNCERTAINTY TO OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER THESSALONIKI, GREECE FUTURE SEEMED LIMITED. I'm dreaming of a better future for myself PETROS GREW UP IN A MODEST DESPITE HIS CHALLENGING NEIGHBORHOOD ON THE OUTSKIRTS CIRCUMSTANCES, PETROS OF THESSALONIKI. WAS DETERMINED. GRADUATION DAY! I have no plans, but I keep applying for jobs, AFTER FINISHING HIGH SCHOOL, HE hoping for the best... FACED A HARSH REALITY: FINDING WITH ZERO WORK EXPERIENCE A JOB WAS FAR MORE DIFFICULT AND NO HIGHER EDUCATION, THAN HE HAD IMAGINED. PETROS FELT STUCK. THE VET SCHOOL APPROVED A WHILE LATER... PETROS'S APPLICATION. I liked that VET school, I'm gonna sort everything and apply! PETROS CAME ACROSS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR A VET SCHOOL (CALLED EPAS) IN THESSALONIKI. I'm learning a lot, but still struggling to find a job... HE HAD A DISCUSSION WITH HIS PETROS JOINED THE CLASSES FOR TEACHER AND TOLD HER ABOUT HOW THE SPECIALTY
PETROS ARRANGED AN APPOINTMENT WITH JA GREECE. Hello! PETROS LEARNED ABOUT FREE CAREER MANY SESSIONS FOLLOWED COUNSELING SERVICES AND JA GREECE, AND PETROS LEARNED HOW AN NGO WHO IS IMPLEMENTING TO RECOGNIZE HIS SKILLS AND "ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL". STRENGHTS. A FEW WEEKS LATER... I will use all the skills I have learned to make a good impression although PETROS WAS MATCHED WITH A THE INTERVIEW RESULTED I'm a bit stressed... JOB PLACEMENT IN THESSALONIKI SUCCESSFUL AND PETROS WAS AT A COMPANY THAT OFFERED OFFERED THE "ADMINISTRATIVE AND INTERPRETING SERVICES. ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT" POSITION. PETROS WORKED HARD AND You are always reliable! IMPROVED QUICKLY. HIS DEDICATION DIDN'T GO UNNOTICED AND AFTER FEW MONTHS GOT MORE RESPONSIBILITIES... ...AND RECEIVED PRAISE FROM HIS BUT HE LEARNED QUICKLY PETROS'S FIRST DAYS SUPERVISOR FOR AND HIS COLLEAGUES WERE AT WORK WERE HIS WORK ETHIC. SUPPORTIVE AND PATIENT. CHALLENGING... I'm more confident now! THIS EXPERIENCE PROVIDED PETROS'S WAS CHOSEN HE BUILT STRONG HIM WITH FINANCIAL STABILITY TO STAR IN THE TIKTOK'S RELATHIOSHIP WITH AND SENSE OF PURPOSE. COMPANY FOR ADVS. HIS CO-WORKERS. The comic strip in this section was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While the content was designed and curated by JA Greece team, AI technology was used to generate certain visual elements. JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS P C D A U E O M A U C N I V G R L C D P E I T T E T R O E I N A L V R V W E L E S I A E R R E E A T W A R S R E N T H V T D E I E H P A D E S I Blending AI and Preventing school dropout A platform to empower Strategic priorities 13 7 16 22 entrepreneurship and empowering youth youth across Europe 2023-2025 Economic Opportunities Innovation camps 17 23 8 Our impact AI and entrepreneruship 14 for All in the food sector 15 year of the sci-tech 25 JA learning experiences 9 challenge Supporting Ukrainian 18 refugees across Europe The go-to place to 26 JA Company programme 10 empower girls in STEM Building back better 19 through entrepreneurship 27 Inspiring youth about sustainable finance 28 Designing a new retail skill and training programme Promote entrepreneurship 29 skills in the cultural and creative industry Re-valuing urban quality 30 O S and climate neutrality E A F G I T U B E N N R R N O E A E O - J U N E N A P T C G 2 E J I 0 H A A 2 T L 4 E S N 41 Virtual experience 49 33 One logo, one JA Annual accounts JA in Europe 44 2023-2024 42 50 JA Europe's 32 top On-site experience Our Board members 34 schools Income statements 45 43 What happened in Catania 51 JA Europe team 20 years of JA Alumni 35 didn't stay in Catania Equity and reserves 46 Europe CEOs of JA network 52 in Europe Six entrepreneurs and 36 their outstanding 54 Certifications anyone? achievements 55 Recognising the 37 Who is shaping the JA Europe network future of EU business? 56 Nobel Peace Prize 38 JA Europe and the G7 2024 57 Our supporters, partners & donors 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 4
THE PROMISE TO 20 MILLION YOUNG EUROPEANS The 2023-24 school year has been phenomenal for JA Our growth means above all a growing number of in Europe. A year of unprecedented growth as our opportunities for Europe’s next generation. We want impact has reached a new record of over 6.5 million every young European to have access to learning experiences. A year of new content opportunities for entrepreneurship, work readiness (blending entrepreneurship modules with AI), a year and financial literacy learning experiences wherever enhanced digital experiences (Gen-E Virtual), a year they live or whatever their background. It is our of programmatic innovation (multiplication of EU- promise to them to continue advocating for more funded projects). investment, more resources and more inclusive policies across Europe. In a world of rapid transformation, JA’s network in Europe is pivoting to embrace a new era of skills, At the core of reaching our ambitious targets are our with a big focus on digital and sustainability to JA Members in over 40 countries in Europe. It is ensure the next generation is skilled to solve the thanks to their dedication and daily work inside and biggest challenges of our times. Both in our learning outside the classrooms, connecting the world of work content and ways of working, our focus is to leverage to the youth directly, that we can all show the great digital transformation to scale learning results of the 2023-24 school year. We are equally opportunities, in particular to underserved youth. grateful to all our Board Members and partners who accompany Europe’s youth as mentors, judges, This has resulted in a significant growth of the JA inspirational speakers and supporters. Europe team, while we continue to leverage our entrepreneurial mindset to always deliver on our Our focus remains firmly on the 2050 strategic goal promises with quality. of serving 20 million young Europeans every year, and we look forward to engaging with our public and JA Europe has also grown in visibility and external private partners, the JA Member organisations and recognition – being showcased in a World Economic the whole entrepreneurship education ecosystem to Forum report with our blended AI – entrepreneurship reach our common goals. In the year in which the education learning module or advocating for G7 Draghi EU Competitiveness report calls for leaders to put youth at the forefront. investments in innovation to support young entrepreneurs and unicorns, we are proud to contribute to a more competitive and innovative Europe. Thank you for a successful year together! LAURENCE MORVAN SALVATORE NIGRO Chair of JA Europe CEO of JA Europe JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 5
OVERVIEW
O v e r v i e w STRATEGIC PRIORITIES A c c e 2023-2025 l e r a t e Entrepreneurship education, work readiness, and financial health continue to represent the core of D i g our learning experiences. JA's boundless ambition is underpinned by a strategic framework that is i t a our blueprint to accelerate inclusive growth and impact over the next three years: l a n d ACCELERATE DIGITAL AND AI A I The COVID-19 pandemic and the wide adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) both highlighted and exacerbated the need to reach youth where they are: through multiple digital channels. But E m accelerating digital learning also requires us to be mindful of the digital divide, enabling options that p can circumvent a lack of broadband through lower-tech options, such as television, radio and o w podcasts, printed publications, and more. e r t h e EMPOWER THE UNDERSERVED U n d Increasingly, underserved communities in every region and country are home to a greater share of e r s the global youth population. To successfully reach more youth and optimise impact, we’ll dedicate e r v sufficient resources to supporting youth in these communities while continuing to drive impact e d where present. CULTIVATE PARTNERSHIPS C u l t As we seek to make transformational impact around the globe, we’ll increasingly rely on an i v a ecosystem of partners to support learning-experience development and delivery across the network. t e P Partners may include governments, other NGOs and social-good organisations, ministries of a r education, corporations, and more. t n e r s h STRENGHTEN ONEJA i p s To realise the impact we seek to create, we’ll amplify cross-pollination, collaboration, accountability, and impact across the network. Formalising clearer governance structures for JA member locations S t and fostering greater clarity around these structures is also key to achieving strong, consistent r e n impact, and a sustainable business model. g h t e n O n e J A G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 7
w e i v r e v O OUR IMPACT I A 1ST JULY 2023 TO 30TH JUNE 2024 d n a l a t i g i D e 6,707,391 t TOTAL LEARNING a r (+20%) EXPERIENCES e 5,600,678 l e c c A d e v r e s r e d 3,618,176 n 241,122 2,848,093 U e (+32%) (+8%) (+7%) 2,734,490 225,561 2,640,627 h t r e w o p 36% m 78% 95,581 E GROWTH OF SOCIAL MEDIA COMPETITIONS LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND TRADE FAIRS TEACHERS s p i h 8,733 86,533 s r e MOST USED PLATFORMS ESP HOLDERS VOLUNTEERS n t r a P e ENTREPRENEURSHIP 40% t 14% 27% a FINANCIAL HEALTH 24% INCREASE IN TRANSITION INSPIRATIONAL v i TO EMPLOYMENT EVENTS/TALKS t WORK READINESS 36% l u C A J e ON AVERAGE n CONTACT O PER EXPERIENCE HOURS 76,651,855 11h n e t h g n e r t DIGITAL S INTERACTIONS 61% 4 2 0 2 TOP 5 TOP 5 TOP 5 COUNTRIES COUNTRIES COUNTRIES E - n e UK UK NORWAY G FINLAND ALBANIA ITALY JA EUROPE ROC ROMANIA SWEDEN s l ROMANIA POLAND TÜRKIYE a i ITALY FINLAND LATVIA c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A *Adjustment has been made for 2022/2023 11,851 learning experiences that were allocated to succeed, while being inspire. *Number subject to final quality review by JA Worldwide and JA Europe. Data provided from JADE as 24/10/2024. 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 8
O v e r v i e w JA LEARNING EXPERIENCES A c c e l e r a t e D JA’s experiential curriculum begins with exposure to critical skill i g sets, collaboration, creativity, self-confidence, and resilience, that i t a prepare students for university, vocational education, the l a n workforce, or their own start-up ventures. JA’s learning d experiences, motivate and inspire students to acquire the skills A I they need for future career success. The Inspire-Prepare-Succeed (IPS) framework provides a E m segmentation tool for the JA network. It categorises learning p o experiences by depth of impact. Introduced in 2021, the IPS w framework provides greater visibility and transparency for all e r t stakeholders h e U n d e r s e r v e d C u l t i v a t e P a r t n e r s h i p s S t r e n g h t e n O n e J Inspire experiences are Prepare experiences make a Succeed experiences A introductory learning deeper impact, with stated and demonstrate mastery of experiences that pique a measurable learning objectives competences in real-world student’s interest. Examples and a curriculum. Student G situations. Typically, these are e include student interactions, learning is assessed, and course experiences that are built on JA n - such as joining an online completion is tracked. learning experiences, for E challenge or a session with a Examples include the JA 2 example, earning the 0 motivational speaker. Company Programme for high- 2 Entrepreneurial Skills Pass 4 school students and JA (ESP) micro-credential after Economics for Success for completing the JA Company middle-school students. Programme. Succeed learning F experiences also include JA i n a Alumni returning to mentor n c student companies or serve as i a speakers at job fairs or trade l s shows. A b o u t J We are witnessing exciting growth in both the diversity and impact of the learning A experiences we offer. As our programmes expand and evolve, we are reaching and E u empowering more young people through innovative approaches. This year, we have not r o only strengthened our commitment to entrepreneurial education but also embraced new p e strategies that reflect the richness of Europe's diversity, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive. Vera Martinho, Chief Impact Officer of JA Europe JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 9
w e i v r e v O JA COMPANY PROGRAMME I A d n a l a t i g i Established in 1919, our flagship initiative, the JA Company Programme, offers students aged 15-19 the D e opportunity to learn how to move a business idea from concept to reality. The programme provides t a r teachers with a series of learning-by-doing business, economics and entrepreneurship activities, a great e l e way to help students succeed in a global economy. Every year, almost 400,000 students enrolled in the c c programme, creating 30,000 mini-companies. By challenging the students to solve a problem in their A community through a business venture, the Company Programme unleashes their entrepreneurial spirit. Students experience running their own company (for one academic year), they discover first-hand how a d company functions and gain an insight into how their talents could be used to set up a business. By e v bringing business volunteers in the classroom to share their experience and mentor, students get a r e s better overview of career opportunities, what skills are needed to succeed and they start to consider r e d entrepreneurship as a potential career opportunity. n U e h t r e w o p m E s p i h s r e n t r a P e t a v i t l u C A J e n O n e t h g n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 10
I would like to thank JA Europe for choosing Italy as the venue for the 2024 edition of Gen-E, and I extend my greetings to all the young entrepreneurs, teachers and students who brought life the festival and transformed Catania into the Capital of Entrepreneurship for three days. […] Encouraging the entrepreneurial vocation of the young generations, stimulating attention to training and promoting an innovation-oriented approach are decisive actions to face the challenges of our time. GIORGIA MELONI President of the Council of Ministries of Italy and G7 2024 President As this festival shows, the role of education and entrepreneurship in guiding the green and digital transitions is invaluable. We must equip people not only with knowledge but with creativity, skills and innovative thinking. This lies at the heart of our long-term vision for a Europe that is prosperous and competitive. ILIANA IVANOVA European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth
ACCELERATE DIGITAL AND AI
O v e r v i e w BLENDING AI AND A c c e ENTREPRENEURSHIP l e r a t e D i g i t a l a 22 The programme equips young people with skills to 389 n Teachers Students d navigate the digital world and prepare for the future certified in the pilot A I of work. Through a new curriculum, it fosters understanding of AI’s ethical and societal impacts, empowering students to use AI responsibly. Covering E RECOGNITION FROM WEF m AI basics, ethics, and entrepreneurial applications, the p program enables students to grasp Computer Vision o w The programme's success was also and develop AI-based solutions to business e r recognized on a global stage by the challenges. t h World Economic Forum report as a best e U practice. JA Europe’s AI programme is n The Erasmus+ Forward Looking Cooperation Project is d featured as one of the eight cases tudies e a collaboration between Junior Achievement Europe r s by the World Economic Forum’s recent e and a consortium of 10 partners from the research, r v Shaping the Future of Learning report. large-enterprise, schools, and Junior Achievement e d organisations. The pilot curriculum was successfully implemented in three countries, Italy, Spain, and C Portugal, where it was tested and refined based on u l initial feedback. t i v a t e As a Forward Looking Cooperation project, the P a consortium is also working on identifying educational r t n challenges during the implementation and to e r s articulate policy recommendation at EU level brining h i p the experience, knowledge from the ground, ensuring s also geographical diversity. S t Based on the project's success as well as the unique r e n and innovative approach of the learning experience, g h the European Institute of Innovation & Technology LEARN MORE t e n (EIT) is supporting Junior Achievement Network to O expand the developed content to 7 additional n e countries as well as to tailor the content to connect J A with sector specific elements. G e DISCOVER AI-ENTR4YOUTH! n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A BRUSSELS E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 13
w e i v r e v O AI AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP I A d IN THE FOOD SECTOR n a l a t i g i D e t a r Through the support of EIT Food, the JA Europe Deep Tech/AI Programme aims to address the skills and e l e innovation gaps in the Agri-Food sector by implementing a cutting-edge initiative aligned with the EIT c c Competency Framework and Digital Deep Tech Initiative (DTTI). This programme will equip 18,000 A students aged 16-25 in VET, secondary schools and higher education institutions with essential skills, including AI, technology management, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving to support more d innovative and sustainable agri-food systems, across ten European countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Czech e v r Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Ukraine. e s r e d In line with the European Commission’s Digital Education Action Plan, the initiative focuses on preparing n U youth for a digitally driven future by enhancing their AI and deep tech capabilities. The programme e h promotes inclusivity, offering students from underserved regions access to high-quality digital education t r and empowering them with the critical skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. e w o p The initiative also aligns with the EIT DTTI objectives, fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and m E innovation within the Agri-Food sector. By building a workforce skilled in AI and deep tech, the programme addresses both the immediate and future needs of the sector, contributing to the European Green Deal’s sustainability goals. Through its inclusive and collaborative approach, JA Europe is actively s p i shaping a digitally ready generation, ensuring they are prepared to lead Europe’s digital and h s r technological transformation. e n t r a The work started by updating the curriculum and adding industry-specific content to strengthen the P e programme. The consortium members met in Lisbon in June 2024 to discuss the implementation t a timeline and review key milestones. v i t l u C JA Europe’s local chapters are collaborating with schools, industry partners, and other stakeholders to implement a
EMPOWER THE UNDERSERVED
w e i v r e v O PREVENTING SCHOOL DROPOUT I A d AND EMPOWERING YOUTH n a l a t i With g i D e t a r e l e c c 3 10 415K 6,5 MLN A Years Countries Students Budget d UniCredit Foundation, the Corporate Foundation of UniCredit Group, in collaboration with Junior e v Achievement Europe, has launched "Re-power Your Future", an initiative aimed at preventing early r e s school leaving and empowering youth across ten European countries. The UniCredit Foundation is r e d investing €6.5 million in this three-year programme, which targets 10–19-year-old students, a critical age n U group for further education and future labour market integration. e h t r e The initiative has been rolled out in Austria, w o Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, The Foundation’s partnership with JA Europe will help us to do this by p directly combatting one of the major challenges our continent’s educators m Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, E face at this moment: school dropout rates, which stifle employment and Slovenia. In the first year of the "Re- opportunities and leave a lasting impact on lifetime earnings. Power Your Future" partnership 10 Andrea Orcel, Chairman of UniCredit Foundation s participating countries developed a p i h multifacted set of strategies to adress the s r e needs of the most vulnerable youth and n t mitigate school drop-out risk. r Together, UniCredit Foundation and JA Europe have the ambition to a P change the landscape of Europe’s education systems by significantly e t preventing and reducing the current rates of school dropout. By combining skills-building programmes a v i and real-world exposure it addresses the Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe t l u multifaceted challenges faced by C underserved youth. By targeting high-risk areas, providing tailored interventions, and A J offering mentoring and guidance, the I have learned that to succeed in achieving your dreams, you need a lot of e hard work and determination. I have learned that I need to have the n project enhances the prospects of O courage to experiment, to trust myself, to set goals, and to seek resources students, helping them stay in school and n to achieve them, without being discouraged by the negative opinions of e t build a foundation for future success. those around me. h g JA student from Romania n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 16
O v e r v i e w ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES A c c e FOR ALL l e r a t THREE YEARS IN REVIEW e D i g i t a l 224 With 302 118 a 199,549 n Volunteers Partnerships in Partnerships in Youth inspired d sourcing and training employment A I The Economic Opportunities for All (EOfA) initiative, led by JA Europe and supported by NN Group, aims to provide underserved youth in Europe with skills and opportunities to transition from education to E employment or entrepreneurship. In its third year, the 2023-2024 period saw significant growth and m p achievements, laying a strong foundation for future efforts. o w e r KEY DEVELOPMENT AND MILESTONES STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS t h e U n The initiative focused on vulnerable youth, EOfA members forged valuable partnerships with d e particularly VET students and those from rural NGOs, universities, and businesses to amplify the r s e areas in Greece, Romania, the Netherlands, and programme’s impact. These collaborations helped r v Spain. Tailored interventions were designed to refine sourcing strategies and increase access to e d address the unique challenges these groups face, young people. Social media campaigns played a including developing sourcing strategies and crucial role in raising awareness and engaging C connecting participants with job opportunities and more underserved youth. u l internships. Countries worked to shift their focus HR simulations emerged as an effective tool for t i v a from education to employment, with efforts to bridging the gap between education and t e strengthen their brand identity as employment employment, offering participants hands-on P a service providers. experiences that prepared them for the job r t n Building upon the three strategic pillars INSPIRE, market. e r s PREPARE, SUCCEED, activities included mentoring Additionally, JA Europe secured three new grants h i and coaching sessions, online campaigns and p this year, EMPASS, Building Back Better, and s inspirational talks, job fairs, job shadowing, and, Code 4 Europe, to further support young people most importantly, job placements. across Europe. S t r e n MOVING FORWARD EXPANSION g h t e As the next step, the period 2024-2026, JA Europe In late 2023 and 2024, Turkey and Hungary joined n O and its network will focus on providing 64,500 EOFA, expanding the programme’s reach. Turkey n e learning experiences and supporting 2,600 youth quickly mobilized to support youth affected by J A in transitioning from education to employment the earthquakes, while Hungary concentrated on or entrepreneurship through targeted marginalized groups. Both countries collaborated G interventions, ensuring that 27,000 underserved with existing members and made notable e n young individuals are equipped with the skills progress in advancing opportunities for - E needed to succeed in the workforce. underserved youth. 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 17
w e i v r e v O SUPPORTING UKRAINIAN I A REFUGEES ACROSS EUROPE d n a l a t With i g i D e t a r e l 14 98,000 +1,8 MLN e c Countries involved Students c Learning hours A The UPLIFT Youth initiative, launched by UNICEF d and Junior Achievement Europe in 2022, e v r empowers young Ukrainian refugees to rebuild e s their futures. Spanning 11 European countries, r e d the programme has impacted over 351,000 n Featured in: U students through JA Europe’s first-ever online e h digital educational campaign and 98,000 young t r people through in-person activities like e w innovation camps and skills workshops, o p representing more than 1.8 million learning m E hours. It offers a life-changing pathway, from inspiring campaigns featuring inspiring A digital campaign, was a targeted approach influencers to hands-on entrepreneurship s with 34 influencers sharing their success stories p i training and cultural integration all the way into that resonated with displaced youth and h s the youth with vital skills, internships, and job r encouraging self-paced learning. This campaign e n opportunities, transforming displaced youth into t igniting the displaced youth’s motivation to join r a empowered individuals ready to contribute and the programme and explore learning P e thrive in their new communities. t opportunities at their own pace. a v i t l u C 13k+ 1,105 Users Learning hours A J e n 351,000 O Youth reached via online campaign n e t h g n e Shotlisted for: Awarded at: r t S 4 2 VISIT TOGETHERWITHJA.ORG 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a BULGARIA n i F e p o r u E A J POLAND CZECH t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 18
O v e r v i e w BUILDING BACK BETTER A c c e THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP l e r a t e D i g i t a l a n d A I Building on the EU’s commitment to enhance 2,267 45 youth leadership, employability, and Participants Businesses into E entrepreneurship via the EU4Youth programme JA trained pre-accelerator phase m p Europe is leading the "Building Back Better o w Through Social Entrepreneurship" project since e r August 2023 until July 2025. It aims to empower t h youth in Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova by fostering e After the pandemic as well as the economic and geopolitical U social entrepreneurship and equipping them with challenges and crises, it is key to re-build the economies and n d societies of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This can only be the skills needed to drive positive social change. e done by empowering the youth in these countries to r s e transform their economies with a strong focus on social r The project focuses on building entrepreneurial v entrepreneurship. e d skills among young people (aged 17-24) to tackle Diana Filip, Deputy CEO of JA Europe pressing community challenges while contributing to economic growth and social inclusion in these C u countries by creating social entrepreneurship l t i v ecosystems including the newly developed a This endeavor reflects our profound commitment to t companies under the grant 15 new social e channeling the energies of the youth into productive P enterprises per country. During the first year of avenues, ensuring they’re well-equipped to make a a r difference. Junior Achievement is thrilled to be a part of this t implementation the project provided for 2,267 n transformative journey. e participants with training in social, digital, and r s h Laurentia Filipschi, CEO of JA Moldova green skills, enabling them to establish or join social i p s enterprises that align with sustainable development goals. 45 business concepts will S continue their journey in the pre-accelerator phase t r e to continue growing. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT n g h t e The next phase of the project is focusing on giving a n financial SafetyNet to the 15 established social O n enterprises in each country, to ensure a long-term e J A economic and societal impact of the project. G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t MOLDOVA J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 19
In July 2023, the UniCredit Foundation joined forces with Junior Achievement Europe to launch "Re-power Your Future," a concrete initiative aimed at combating early school leaving, involving 10 countries within the UniCredit perimeter in a three-year program. These days we celebrate the results of European students and their innovative entrepreneurial ideas. SILVIA CAPPELLINI UniCredit Foundation General Manager You, the youth of today, you are the most educated generation in history. Already, you are emerging as leaders in the digital revolution and in the crucial fight against climate change. The OECD recognizes the importance of empowering young people. LAMIA KAMAL-CHAOUI Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD
CULTIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
w e i v r e v O A PLATFORM TO EMPOWER I A d YOUTH ACROSS EUROPE n a l a t i Thanks g i D e t a r Over the past year, a dedicated team has been e KEY MILESTONES l e working to design and develop the JA Talents c c platform, aimed at empowering young people A Training Modules: A significant achievement across Europe supported by NN Group, UPS and has been the addition of over 120 high-training UniCredit Foundation. courses from companies such as Accenture, d The platform provides career guidance, education, e EIT Digital, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and PMI, v r and job opportunities, with the ultimate goal of e covering areas such as personal development, s r empowering youth to take their first steps toward e career orientation, financial literacy, and d meaningful employment. n entrepreneurship. U e Partnership with nPloy: In collaboration with h PLATFORM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT t nPloy, we initiated a technical integration that r e automatically retrieves job opportunities from w o The development process began in September 2023 partner companies’ websites. p m with the appointment of a new Product Owner, who Gen-E Expo Presentation: JA Talents was E collaborated with the Education & Impact and featured at the 2024 Gen-E Expo, giving us a Digital Transformation. By February 2024, the valuable platform to showcase the project to a s platform’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP) was broad audience of stakeholders and potential p i h launched and continuous improvements have partners. s r e followed. n t r FUTURE PLANS a P FOSTERING PARTNERSHIPS e t Looking ahead, we are planning for the official a v i launch of JA Talents in 2024. The platform will t l Throughout the year, the team has fostered u feature all current services, with the goal of C partnerships with companies encouraging them to becoming an essential tool for young people share training resources and job opportunities on seeking meaningful career opportunities and skill the platform and create pathways for youth to A J development. connect with potential employers. e n O n e VISIT JATALENTS.ORG AI INTEGRATION AND TRAINING t h g RECOMMENDATIONS n e r t Another innovative feature introduced this year was S the integration of an AI Assistant which will be trained to offer personalized job and training 4 2 recommendations, linking career opportunities to 0 2 the appropriate skills young people need to develop. E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 22
O v e r v i e w INNOVATION CAMPS A c c e l e r a t e D i g i t a l a n FEDEX NEXTGEN INNOVATION CAMP d A I Held from February 28th to March 26th, the camp brought together 12 teams of talented youth from six E European countries, all focused on tackling a m challenge related to improving operations through p o the use of technology. Over the course of the w programme, teams collaborated with FedEx e r mentors to design and submit their solutions. The t h e winning team won a ticket to travel to Italy for Gen-E U held in Catania. n d e r s e r v 6 12 e European countries Students team d C u l t i v a t e SUSTAINABLE SKIES CHALLENGE BY P DELTA AIR LINES a r t n In 2024, we delivered the Delta Air Lines Hackathon. e r We brought together 9 teams of talented youth s h from 8 European countries. The hackathon centred i p s on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, with the aim of fostering creative solutions within the logistics and aviation industries. Two S t r representatives from each finalist team were invited e n to travel to Atlanta, where they had the opportunity g h to present their ideas in person to a jury. t e n O n 8 9 WATCH THE ATLANTA EXPERIENCE e J European countries Students team A G e n - E 2 0 2 4 FOODATHON F i n For the third year, EIT Food teamed up with JA a n Europe and JA Africa, to offer secondary school c i students (15-18 years old) a unique opportunity to a l s develop their entrepreneurial competencies, learn about agri-food systems globally, and work together with students from all over the world. The Foodathon A b is an intensive Innovation Camp that aims to raise o u awareness among young generations of the t J challenges facing our food systems. A E u r o p 32 742 e Countries Students JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 23
w e i v r e v O INNOVATION CAMPS I A d n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l e RESPONSIBLE MARKETING CHALLENGE c c A The partnership between JA Europe and Ferrero aimed to foster responsible marketing practices and empowering the next generation of marketing d professionals. By leveraging the expertise and e v resources of these organizations, the Responsible r e s Marketing Campaign Challenge provided students r e with an engaging and educational opportunity. This d n challenge provided university students and JA alumni U in Belgium and the Netherlands with a practical e BRUSSELS h t opportunity to develop responsible marketing r e campaigns in the chocolate snack industry. w o p m E 3 70+ Finalist teams Attendees s p i h s r e n t r a P e t a v i t BOOSTING STEAM AND TECH l u C CAREERS JA Europe and King have partnered to A J address the underrepresentation of e n marginalized groups in STEAM careers. O Through volunteer-led activities across n SPAIN e Spain, Sweden, Germany, and the UK, the t h initiative targets underserved youth aged g n 18 and above, offering them opportunities e r t in STEAM fields and tech careers. S The kick-off activities, in the shape of 4 "Gaming for Good Hackathon”, involved 2 0 UK SWEDEN participants from underserved 2 E communities to design mobile games - n promoting environmental sustainability, e G fostering both technical skills and creativity. The students are subsequently being involved in job shadow days, career s l a talks and office visits to discover the i c backstage of one of the largest gaming n a company! n i F 324 57 e p Students Volunteers o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 24
O v e r v i e w 15 YEARS OF THE A c c e SCI-TECH CHALLENGE l e r a t e D With i g i t a l a More than 62,000 students have competed in n d +62,000 15 the Sci-Tech Challenge since its creation in A Students Years I 2010. Initiated in 2010 by ExxonMobil and JA Europe, the project aims to encourage young people to tackle global challenges through E m STEM in entrepreneurship. p o Young people with science, technology, engineering, and math w What would you come up with, if you were e education and background will shape our future. r t asked to develop a service or a product using h Philippe Ducom, President of ExxonMobil Europe e lower-emission technologies, to accelerate the U n energy transition and pave the way towards a d e carbon-neutral society? Energy transition, r s e decarbonisation and low emission technologies r v The Sci-Tech Challenge encourages STEM students from all e were at the heart of the 15th edition of the Sci- d backgrounds to work together and address real-world problems. Tech Challenge, attended by students aged 15- Nikolaas Baeckelmans, Vice President of ExxonMobil Europe 18 years old, from Cyprus, Hungary, the C Netherlands, Belgium and the Czech Republic. u l t i v a For the past 15 years, the Sci-Tech Challenge, t e organised by JA Europe in collaboration with P I'm immensely proud of the profound impact the Sci-Tech a ExxonMobil, has inspired thousands of students r Challenge has had in shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. t n Witnessing its inception 15 years ago and observing its enduring across Europe to pursue careers in science, e r ability to empower youth to creatively harness these skills for a s technology, engineering, and mathematics h brighter future fills me with profound joy. I am deeply grateful to i p (STEM). This initiative aims to bridge the gap ExxonMobil for their unwavering support in championing s European youth alongside us on this transformative journey. between education and industry by providing young minds with real-world challenges that Diana Filip, Deputy CEO of JA Europe S t foster innovation and critical thinking. Through r e n hands-on experience and mentorship, students g h develop skills essential for future STEM careers, t WATCH THE 2024 WRAP UP VIDEO e n all while addressing pressing global issues. O n e J A G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 25
w e i v r e v O THE GO-TO PLACE TO I A d EMPOWER GIRLS IN STEM n a l a t i g i With D e t a r e l e c c A 30+ 15,500 European countries Girls empowered this school year d Girls Go Circular is an EU initiative aimed at equipping e v girls aged 14-19 across Europe with digital and r e s entrepreneurial skills through an online platform focused r e on the circular economy. Coordinated by EIT d n RawMaterials, with support from the EIT Community and U e the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and h t r Culture (DG EAC), the initiative supports Action 13 of the e w Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027, encouraging o p women’s participation in STEM. m E At the heart of the initiative is the Circular Learning Space, which offers students opportunities to gain digital s p i competencies and knowledge of the circular economy. h s The programme, aligned with DigComp, EntreComp, and r e n GreenComp frameworks, also contributes to EIT’s Deep CHECK OUT EIT-GIRLSGOCIRCULAR.EU t r a Tech Talent Initiative, introducing deep tech topics into P schools. e t a v i t l Launched in 2020, Girls Go Circular has expanded from a u 18 C six-country pilot to over 30 European countries. To support Learning modules Ukrainian students affected by the war, all educational materials are translated into Ukrainian. The Circular A J e Learning Space now hosts 18 modules in 24 languages, n O with over 90,000 users, and more than 38,000 girls from 24 n 1,000+ schools have completed the programme. e t Languages h g n Each year, the Women and Girls in STEM Forum brings e r t together students, teachers, and leaders to discuss steps S toward a more inclusive future for Europe. 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E BRUSSELS A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 26
O v e r v i e w INSPIRING YOUTH ABOUT A c c e SUSTAINABLE FINANCE l e r a t e D With i g i t a l a n d A I 250+ 9 JA Students European countries E m The Blue Innovation Award is given to the p The Blue Challenge is an entrepreneurship education o w mini-company that best embodies a programme, launched by JA Europe and Euronext e r sustainable use of the ocean resources for The programme aims to inspire students aged 16 to 18 t h economic growth, following the selection e about sustainable finance and help them develop core U of one mini-company from each competencies such as teamwork, problem-solving and n d participating country, to compete at a entrepreneurial skills. e r s European level. Over the course of the e r school year, participating students, aged v In the course of the academic year, over 250 students e d 16 to 18, have created impressive mini from Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, companies, with viable projects that Portugal, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom embrace the Blue Economy and climate learned about sustainable finance while working on C u change mitigation. l their own business projects supported by mentoring t i v and webinars from Euronext volunteers. After national a t e selections in April, country finalists competed for the P a Euronext
w e i v r e v O DESIGNING A NEW RETAIL SKILL I A d AND TRAINING PROGRAMME n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l Skills4Retail is an EU-funded project that aims to lift the e c retail sector in Europe, which is responsible for 10% of the c A At JA Europe, we9re proud to be at the forefront of EU9s economy and includes 3.6 million retailers. The designing a retail skills strategy and VET training project9s goal is to design a new Retail Skills Strategy and programme that equips the current and future VET training programme that will address the urgent and d workforce with skills to thrive in the evolving retail e emerging skills needs of retailers. Skills4Retail aligns with v industry. Together with our partners, we9re forging r e a sustainable, digitally empowered future for the the 8Triple Transition9 and DG Grow9s transition pathway s r entire sector. e towards greener, more digital and more resilient retailers. d n Diana Filip, Deputy CEO of JA Europe The partnership is an inspiring example of Europe-wide U e diversity and collaboration. JA Europe is leading the h t Skills4Retail Consortium consisting of 30 partners from 9 r e EU countries. w o p In retail and wholesale, more than 40% of m The programme is market and industry demand-led at its E companies see difficulties in finding talent with the core, continuously adapting and evolving to address right skills as a top barrier to a successful sector current and future industry needs and supporting transformation. Skills4Retail is a chance to support s the future competitiveness of the sector. This European Retailers to achieve long term growth, p i project will develop a retail skills strategy and a h competitiveness, and sustainability through digital and s r vocational education training programme with the e green transformation. potential to empower both existing and prospective n t r employees to meet the demands of an ever- a P changing market. Additionally, retail is increasingly seen as a career e t stepping stone and not a destination for a meaningful a Christel Delberghe, Director General of v i EuroCommerce career. Skills4Retail supports the retail sector by t l u providing trainings that not only get youth and existing C workers career ready, but also show the opportunities for careers coming with new occupational profiles in green A VISIT THE SKILLS4RETAIL WEBSITE J and digital. Discover more about the Occupational e n Profiles and Needs Analysis. The first set of reactive O n courses for retail workers has been available in Hungary, e t Ireland, Austria, Romania since the fall of 2024. h g n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r BRUSSELS u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 28
O v e r v i e w PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP A c c SKILLS IN THE CULTURAL AND e l e r a t CREATIVE INDUSTRY e D i g i t a l a n d A I E m 3 p European countries o w e r Cultural BEES project is reating cultural heritage t h businesses through hybrid learning models & hands- e U on curricula across borders, is a Creative Europe n d project aiming to develop and implement a training e r s programme and digital toolkit that support the e r v promotion of entrepreneurship skills in the Cultural e d and Creative Industry (CCI) among youth. The project, BULGARIA led by JA Europe with, aims at providing youth aged 15-30 years with the necessary skills, knowledge, and C u tools to succeed in their careers within the CCI sector: l t i v The Cultural BEES programme is designed to support a t e youth in developing their business ideas in the P a Cultural Heritage sector and to provide them with the r t n means and skills to ensure that their projects are e r sustainable, inclusive, and innovative. s h i p s The project started in January 2024 and it is planned to carry out large-scale piloting of the developed ITALY S methodology, including the training of 1000 students t r e at secondary and tertiary level education in 3 n g European countries (Cyprus, Bulgaria and Italy). The h t e first 6 months phase of the project was used to n O establish the project management methods, quality n e assurance and collaboration among the partners. J A Addition to this, state-of-the-art analysis report was prepared and it presents a comprehensive result of G the mapping process and the analysis of the current e n and future skills requirements for professionals in the - E CCI sector. 2 CYPRUS 0 2 4 The report analyses the state of the art and current situation of cultural and creative enterprises, F examines market dynamics, operational challenges, i n a growth opportunities and public and private support n c policies. Another important pillar to mention within i a l s this reporting period is the National Ecosystem Forums which were implemented in Slovenia, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland and Cyprus to determine the A b challenges and prospects in the field of Cultural o u t Heritage, as well as insights and recommendations on J A to how an educational curriculum could be shaped to E u encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. r o p e LEARN MORE ABOUT CULTURAL BEES JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 29
w e i v r e v O RE-VALUING URBAN QUALITY & I A d CLIMATE NEUTRALITY n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l e c 9 864 c Waterfront cities Students involved A Together with JA Norway (Ungt Entreprenørskap), the "Re-Valuing Urban Quality & Climate Neutrality in European Waterfront Cities" (Re-Value) project aims to support European cities in developing, testing, d e v and sharing methods to create value through urban quality, while achieving climate neutrality. It r e s demonstrates the full-scale impact of integrated urban planning and design, focusing on inclusivity, r e beauty, and sustainability, in line with the New European Bauhaus principles. The initiative is part of d n Horizon Europe Innovation Actions, supporting the EU's Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission. U e h t r Re-Value works with nine waterfront cities, four Leading Cities (Ålesund, Bruges, Burgas, and Rimini) and e five Replication Cities (Cascais, Constanța, İzmir, Písek, and Rijeka), to adapt conventional urban planning w o p methods for inclusive, sustainable outcomes. Leading Cities demonstrate integrated urban planning to m reduce GHG emissions by 2030, while Replication Cities learn and develop data-driven scenarios, E participatory models, and financial partnerships to achieve climate neutrality. s p JA Europe and its member organisations facilitate dissemination and enhance civic engagement by i h s organising annual Innovation Camps in each city, bridging youth and local decision-makers. In 2023- r e 2024, 864 students participated in these camps. For instance, Ålesund successfully implemented a n t r winning idea from its camp, improving a green space near the port, showcasing the positive impact of a P collaboration between municipalities and young people. Innovation Camps play a crucial role in involving e t a youth in decision-making, fostering innovative ideas for sustainable urban development, and v i t l emphasizing their roles in shaping the future. This engagement empowers young participants and u C fosters a sense of ownership in their communities' transitions to climate-neutral environments. Coordinated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Re-Value is funded by A J Horizon Europe, aiming to align urban quality with climate neutrality by re-valuing connections to e n waterfronts and demonstrating effective urban transitions. O n e t h LEARN MORE ABOUT RE-VALUE g n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 30
I joined JA Lithuania as a programme coordinator to implement a project with UNICEF. To say that our experience was positive is an understatement. We implemented the programmes for a year and a half. We witnessed a noticeable difference in the children from when they first arrived from Ukraine to after participating in the programs with JA and UNICEF. The youth became more confident, calm, and ready to perform and present themselves and their teams. We had numerous activities with Lithuanian adolescents and observed how the children actively cooperated, opened up, and communicated in different languages. Changes don't happen overnight, but we have seen the positive impact of our programmes and the children's willingness to learn and integrate into new conditions despite the situation's complexity. TATYANA PATOKOVA Ukrainian teacher who implements programs for Ukrainian children in Lithuania
STRENGTHEN ONEJA TO BE SUSTAINABLE
O v e r v i e w ONE LOGO, ONE JA A c c e l e r a t This year marked a significant milestone in our e D STORY BEHIND THE LOGO ongoing rebranding journey, as we continue to i g strengthen our global identity and align with our core i t a From the original Junior Achievement logos l values. With over 80% of the countries in Europe now a (launched in 1919 and 1941), which used wings as n fully aligned with our updated branding guidelines, d their visual symbol, came the idea of flying, A we are witnessing the successful unification of our excelling, having the means to soar. Yet our I brand across diverse markets. students do not stand alone, but impact those around them, sharing their newly-acquired E skillset and confident mindset. Just imagine if The rebranding process has been a collaborative m every student created jobs for just five others! effort, engaging teams from every country to ensure a p o Youth unemployment would soon be a thing of w smooth transition that resonates with both local, e the past. For this reason, we started with JA’s r European and global audiences. By streamlining our t original soaring bird (from 1919 and 1941), and h brand across countries, we are better positioned to e turned it into a flock of six (the JA student + five U increase recognition, trust, and loyalty among our others impacted by that student). We then n d partners, stakeholders, institutions, schools, young brought in similar lines and angles from the JA e r s people and communities. symbol that launched in 1967, reintroduced the e r kite logo (launched in 1955) via the negative v e (white) space of our new symbol, and kept a d As we move forward, our focus will remain on strong correlation with our longest-running ensuring that the JA brand continues to be symbol, launched in 1986. JA’s brand symbol recognised among youth, teachers, partners, policy C honours our long and impactful history while u makers, volunteers who believe and are supporting l moving us into the future. t i v our common mission, vision and values. a t e P a r t n e r s h i p JUNE 2024 s 80% adoption in Europe S t r e n g h t e n O n e J A APRIL 2022 G e New brand launch! n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 33
w e i v r e v O I THE ENTREPRENEURIAL A d n SCHOOL AWARD a l a t i g i With D e t a r e l e This year, a total of 32 schools across Europe receive The Entrepreneurial School Award 2024, with 11 c c vocational schools on the list. The winning schools are recognized schools for their exceptional A commitment to entrepreneurship education at primary and secondary levels as well as in vocational education, empowering the generation of innovators and leaders. The TES Award criteria include d entrepreneurship education-related elements such as the active involvement of teachers and students, e v dedicated resources, community engagement, professional development, and integration of a European r e s dimension. These schools encourage young minds to think innovatively and embrace their potential as r e d future leaders and change-makers. n U Austria HTBLVA Spengergasse, Vocational School e Moldova Lyceum "Alexandru Pushkin" h t JU Srednja stručna škola stručna škola, r Belgium KOBOS Secondary school e Montenegro w Vocational School o Prof. Ivan Apostolov English Language p Bulgaria School m Netherlands Zadkine Vocational school E Cyprus Agios Georgios Lakatamia High School North SUGS Rade Jovchevski – Korchagin Macedonia Gymnasium Czech Gustava Habrmana Ceska Trebova, Zespół Szkół Centrum Kształcenia s Republic Vocational School p i h Poland Ustawicznego in Wojsławice, Vocational s Denmark Slotshaven Gymnasium r School e n Estonia Põltsamaa Ühisgümnaasium t Escola Técnica Psicossocial de Lisboa, r a Portugal P Vocational School France Lycée Raoul Mortier, Vocational School e t a Romania Colegiul National I.L.Caragiale v Georgia LEPL - Rustavi N22 Public School i t l u Serbia Medical School Cacak, Vocational School C Theobald-Simon-Schule Berufsbildende Germany Schule Secondary Vocational School of Business Slovakia and Services in Nové Mesto nad Váhom A Greece 1st General High School of Elefsin J Nebrija Torre de Hércules, Vocational e Nyíregyházi SZC Széchenyi István n Spain School O Hungary Technikum és Kollégium Vocational n School e Sweden Billingskolan, Primary school t h g Iceland Commercial College of Iceland n Switzerland Gymnasium Kirchenfeld High School e r t Italy I.T.T.S. Silvano Fedi - Enrico Fermi S Beykoz Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Türkiye Vocational and Technical Anatolian High Latvia Ogre Technical School, Vocational School School 4 Mazeikiai Merkelis Rackauskas 2 Lithuania Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig, Secondary – 0 gymnasium 2 UK Comprehensive E - Malta Verdala International School Malta n Lviv Professional College of Restaurant e Ukraine G Business, Vocational School s l a i c n a n i Fe p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 34
O v e r v i e w 20 YEARS OF JA ALUMNI A c c EUROPE e l e r a t e D i g In 2024, JA Alumni Europe celebrated its 20th i t ONE BIG NETWORK a l anniversary, honoring two decades of empowering a n With the central theme of
w e i v r e v O SIX OUTSTANDING JA ALUMNI I A d AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS n a l a t i g With i D e t a r The Ferd’s List welcomed six inspiring new honourees in 2023, each e l e recognized for their outstanding achievements and connection to c c A the JA entrepreneurial experience. This year’s honourees hail from Albania, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Malta, and Norway, underscoring the diversity of talent and impact fostered by JA d programs across Europe. e v r e s r Introduced at the JA Alumni Europe Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, e d the honourees shared stories of success and failure, offering insights n U to over 200 attendees. Their journeys illustrated the profound e h influence of the JA experience, which provided them with unique t r opportunities and networks that shaped their professional paths. e w o p Among the honourees, Vivien Wysocki from Germany, co-founder of m E the fashion brand Saint Sass, shared how her JA experience allowed her to access a network and opportunities that expanded her horizons, emphasizing the transformative impact of JA’s programs s p i on young leaders. h s r e n Ferd’s List, established in partnership with Ferd and JA Europe in t r a 2017, now celebrates over 50 alumni who exemplify the P e entrepreneurial mindset, creating lasting value in their fields. t a v i t l u C 2023 HONOUREES A J MATĚJ KAPOŠVÁRY ROBIN RØED e n E-commerce Expert Entrepreneur and Leader O Czechia Norway n e t h g n e r t LITHUANIA S MALTHE LUDVIGSEN VIVIEN WYSOCKI 4 2 Empathy-focused Female Empowerment 0 2 Entrepreneur in Fashion E - Denmark Germany n e G s l a i c n IRENA MATRAKU MARISA XUEREB a n i Economist Change Maker in F Education Technology Malta Albania e p o r u E A J t u o b LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FERDs LIST A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 36
O v e r v i e w WHO IS SHAPING THE A c c e FUTURE OF BUSINESS? l e r a t e With D i g i t a l a n Since its inception in 2013, the AmCham EU Youth JANNA NASER d A Entrepreneurship Award has celebrated young JA Alga Insulation I alumni entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of Sweden European business. Supported by AmCham EU’s E Executive Council, the award offers financial support m p and mentorship from top CEOs to encourage young o w entrepreneurs across Europe. This year, the award e r emphasizes female entrepreneurship, marking five t h years of commitment to diversity and inclusion. e U n d MARIA MANOLI The award ceremony took place at the AmCham EU e r E-mbracelet s Gala on June 25th 2024, where Rosanna Collis of e r v Cyprus Tiaki was announced as the winner. Tiaki, a e d revolutionary sportswear startup, has developed Bra-Vo, a protective insert for sports bras that prevents breast injuries during high-impact C u activities. Rosanna’s win comes with a €10,000 prize l t i v and six months of mentorship, underscoring a t e AmCham EU's dedication to empowering young P female entrepreneurs. a ROSANNA COLLIS r t n Tiaki e r The finalists showcased incredible innovation across s h United Kingdom various sectors. Maria Manoli from Cyprus created E- i p s mbracelet, a solution for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) care, while Janna Naser from Sweden S introduced Alga Insulation, a sustainable insulation t r e material made from algae. Each finalist exemplified n g entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to h t e addressing pressing social and environmental n O issues. n e J A CHECK OUT THE DETAILS G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 37
w e i v r e v O JA EUROPE AND THE G7 I A d n a l a t JA Europe presented a 7-point action plan, i g i prioritising entrepreneurship education, deep tech D e and AI integration, and fostering innovation for the t a r green economy. The plan also addressed early e l e startup creation by improving access to funding and c c reducing bureaucratic barriers, with a focus on A supporting young women in business. Key industrial sectors such as retail and agri-food were highlighted d for upskilling, while teacher training in digital and e v green economy skills was proposed. r e s r e d n OUR CALL TO MINISTRIES OF EDUCATION U e TO PUT YOUTH AT THE FOREFRONT h t r e w o During the G7 of Education Ministries, JA Europe p and JA Italy hosted a seminar in Lignano m E Sabbiadoro, Italy, attended by Hon. Paola Frassinetti, Undersecretary for Education and Merit of the Italian s Government. The event focused on presenting key p i h policy recommendations to the G7 nations, s r emphasizing the need for immediate action to e n t prepare the next generation for entrepreneurship r a and employment. P e LIGNANO SABBIADORO t a v i t l u READ THE 7 POINTS FOR THE G7 C A J e n O n e t h g n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 38
GEN-E 2024
w e i v r e v O VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE I A d n a l a t i g i VIRTUAL EXPO D D e t N a JOB FAIR A r e l e c c The Virtual Expo showcased innovative projects and A business ideas developed by young entrepreneurs across Europe. Participants present their work in areas d such as technology, sustainability, and social impact. e v r e The Job Fair connected recruiters from well-known s r e companies with motivated candidates. d n U e h t r e 590 1224 723 18 +30% w Online awards Partners' Registered o Virtual stands Virtual applications virtual stands JA businesses p increase stands m E GEN-E.EU s p ONLINE i h s r e EXPERIENCE +63,000 n t Unique visitors gen-e.eu r N and virtual expo a NUMBERS I P e t a v i 51,868 t l LIVE STREAMING u Total visits C 15,633 A Total views J 429,822 e n Pages O n e t h g n e r t With Gen-E European Entrepreneurship Festival, our aim is twofold: to celebrate Europe’s best youth entrepreneurs S from each country, while also offering a European virtual showcase and competition experience to as many young Europeans as possible. 4 2 Minna Melleri, Chief of Advocacy and Growth of JA Europe 0 2 E - n e JA EUROPE PODCAST G s l a i c JA Europe Podcast n a n How to start a career in digital i F innovation? e 15.09 03.45 p o r u E A J t u o Listen to JA Europe Podcast by b A clicking on your favourite platform: 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 40
O v e r v i e w ON-SITE EXPERIENCE A c c e l e r a t e D 390,000 STUDENTS i g THEIR i t a JOURNEY STARTED l a n d A I 1,000 Participants E m p o 48 w e Jury r t h e U n 41 d e Partners representatives r s e r v e 92 d Teachers C u l 73 t i v a Student businesses t e P a r 213 t n e JA staff r s h i p s 7 JA Alumni Board members S t r e n g 41 h t JA offices e n O n e 50 J A Nationalities G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 41
w e i v r e v O WHAT HAPPENED IN CATANIA, I A d DIDN'T STAY IN CATANIA n a l a t i g i D #GEN_E HASHTAG e t a r e l e c c A 2,669,090 Social Media reach d e v r 5,338,180 e s Social Media impressions projections r e d n U e 1,297 h t r Social Media mentions e w o p m 51,876 E Social Media interactions s p i 48,976 h s r Social Media likes e n t r a P e t a MEDIA OUTREACH v i t l u C A J e n O 200+ n e MEDIA COVERAGE t h g n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b GEN-E 2024 REPORT A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 42
FINANCIALS
w e i v r e v O I ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2023-2024 A BALANCE SHEET d n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l e c (EUR) 30/06/2024 30/06/2023 (EUR) 30/06/2024 30/06/2023 c A ASSETS LIABILITIES Fixed Assets 7,046 2,453 Equity 1,221,394 1,004,861 d I. Formation expenses I. Funds 100,689 100,689 e v r e II. Intangible fixed assets 1,356 1,991 IV. Restricted Funds 123,449 123,449 s r e III. Tangible fixed assets 5,690 462 V. A. Accumulated results (positive) 997,256 780,723 d n U Current assets 17,566,704 9,418,045 Amounts Payable 16,352,356 8,415,637 e h V. Long term - 920,823 VIII. Long term - 674,440 t r e VI. Inventories - 5,459 IX. Short term 10,757,316 4,298,097 w o p VII. Short term (Contribution Agreements, invoices, etc) 8,774,266 1,662,548 C/D. Accounts payable 1,934,791 1,240,874 m E VIII. Short term financial investments 2,599,950 2,577,135 E. Wages, taxes and Social Security 129,689 87,241 IX. Cash and Bank 6,192,488 3,960,334 F. Other 8,692,837 2,969,982 s X. Deferred charges and accrued income - 291,746 X. Accrued charges and deferred income 5,595,039 3,443,099 p i h Total Assets 17,573,750 9,420,498 Total Liabilities 17,573,750 9,420,498 s r e n t r a P e t a The Balance Sheet increased due to booking new multi-year contracts on public grants. Given the prudency of v i t accounting, the organisation has booked full contracts receivables and contracts payables for the entire l u C project’s duration. JA Europe’s portion of the budget has been fully moved on deferred revenue. Based on the accrual-based accounting principle, the organisation will accrue revenue for the period in which actual A expenses are incurred. J e n O n e t h g This past fiscal year has been a remarkable journey of growth and achievement for JA Europe. Despite facing n e significant market fluctuations, our dedicated team navigated these challenges with resilience and strategic r t foresight, culminating in growth in our financial performance. Our commitment to transparency, efficiency, S and innovation has not only strengthened our financial health but also reinforced our mission to empower young people with the skills they need for a successful future. It's been a privilege to witness the collective 4 effort that has brought us here, and I am confident that with the same dedication and spirit, we will continue 2 0 to achieve even greater heights. 2 E Kristina Velkovska, Chief Financial Officer of JA Europe - n e G s l a i c n a n i Fe p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 44
O v e r v i e w INCOME STATEMENTS A c c e l e r a t e D i g i t a l (EUR) 30/06/2024 30/06/2023 a n d I. Operating income and charges A I Turnover 11,106,568 10,424,415 Services and other goods - 10,943,438 - 10,095,89 E m p A. Gross margin (positive) - 9,681,795 - 8,863,133 o w e B. Gross margin (negative) r t h C. Wages, Social Security, pensions - 1,312,853 - 1,230,298 e U n D/E. Depreciation, short values - 2,396 - 2,456 d e r s F. Provisions for liabilities and charges - 15 - 6 e r v e Operating results (positive) 163,130 328,523 d II. Financial proceeds 187,025 133,756 C Financial charges - 133,622 - 166,978 u l t i v Current results (+) or (-) 216,533 295,301 a t e III. Exceptional proceeds P a r t Exceptional costs - - n e r s Profit for the year (positive) 216,533 295,301 h i p s Profit to Organization Reserves 216,533 295,301 S t r e n g h t e REVENUE IN EUROS n O n e J A G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 45
w e i v r e v O EQUITY AND RESERVES I A d n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l e c c A d e v r e s r e d n U e h t r e w o p m E s p RESULTS i h s r e n t r a P e t a v i t l u C A J e n O n e t h g n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 46
Our future belongs to those who are young today. Never lose your hunger for innovation, join our EIT community of talented entrepreneurs, and keep learning. At the EIT, we can support you at any stage of your innovation journey. If you are just starting out, or if you are already an established startup, there is no innovation without education. MARTIN KERN Director, European Institute of Technology Investing in education, training, and guidance for young people is fundamental for the growth and improvement of our Nation. I am pleased to see Italy playing a leading role in mobilizing stakeholders in youth entrepreneurship across Europe, and I thank all of you for believing in these young talents and for supporting them with your experience, offering them opportunities. ANDREA ABODI Minister of Sport and Youth, Italy
ABOUT JA EUROPE
O v e r v i e w JA IN EUROPE A c c e l e r a t e ALBANIA LATVIA D i g i t a ARMENIA LITHUANIA l a n d LUXEMBOURG AUSTRIA A I NORTH MACEDONIA BELGIUM FL E m MALTA p BELGIUM FR o w e MOLDOVA r BULGARIA t h e U MONTENEGRO CYPRUS n d e r s NETHERLANDS e CZECH REPUBLIC r v e d NORWAY DENMARK C POLAND ESTONIA u l t i v a PORTUGAL FINLAND t e P a r ROMANIA FRANCE t n e r s SERBIA h GEORGIA i p s SLOVAKIA GERMANY S t r e SLOVENIA GREECE n g h t e SPAIN n HUNGARY O n e SWEDEN J ICELAND A SWITZERLAND IRELAND G e n TÜRKIYE - E ISLE OF MAN 2 0 2 4 UNITED KINGDOM ISRAEL UKRAINE F ITALY i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 49
w e i v r e v O OUR BOARD MEMBERS I A AT JUNE 2024 d n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l e c c Ad e v r Laurence Morvan Katharina G. Andresen Nikolaas Baeckelmans Riccardo Barberis Jeff Bullwinkel Daniel Carrera e s r JA Europe Chair Owner and Board Vice President of President of Northern Vice President and President at UPS EMEA e Member of Ferd European Union Affairs Europe at Deputy General Counsel, d Chief of Staff to CEO of at ExxonMobil ManpowerGroup Corporate External and n EMEA of Accenture Legal Affairs, at Microsoft U EMEA e h t r e w o p m E s p i h s r e n t Irene Cervellera Matteo Curcio Anna di Silverio Nuria García Schwab Henk Huisman Janet Johnstone r Micheli a P Angel Investor for Senior Vice President of EMEA President at Regional President EMEA Head of Public and Chief Administrative e start-ups EMEAI at Delta Air Lines Government Affairs at Officer, International at t Avanade and CEO of MetLife a Europe & MetLife Europe NN Group BNY v Insurance i t l u CA J e n O n e t h g n e r t S Olivier Lazar Christophe Leclercq Kees Roks Mark Timmermans Julie Linn Teigland Matthew Caruana EMEIA Area Managing Chair of the Board of Chief Audit Officer at Vice President of Road 4 Vice President for Founder of Euractiv Partner and Global Executives Novartis Network Operations 2 Community & Social media & Fondation Leader – Women Fast Europe at FedEx Express 0 Impact at Project Euractiv of EurActiv.com; 2 forward at EY CEO of JA Malta Management Institute; Executive Chair Europe E Chief Operating Officer MédiaLab - PMIEF n e G s l a i c n a n i Fe p o r u Loran Geskens Salvatore Nigro Kristina Velkovska Ömer Turna E A J President of JA Alumni CEO of JA Europe Secretary Treasurer t Europe u CFO of JA Europe Partner at EY o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 50
O v e r v i e w JA EUROPE TEAM A c AT JUNE 2024 c e l e r a t e D i g i t a l a n d A I Salvatore Nigro Diana Filip Kristina Velkovska Vera Martinho Minna Melleri Joanna Andrzejewska Göktürk Başar Nicole Bartolo CEO Chief Impact Officer Head of Programmes Deputy CEO & Chief Chief Financial Officer Chief of Advocacy and Business Development & Digital and Content Development Officer Growth Events Associate Manager E m p o w e r t h e U n d e r s e r v e Sergio Branca Tonya Bulgakova Rachel Constantine Davide Coppaloni Noah Delophont Anna Demiri Noemy Corcuera Tommaso Dalla Favera d Finance Associate Senior Manager of Senior Programme Manager, Office of the Senior Operations and IT Business Development Senior Manager of Digital EU Project Development and Public Associate CEO Manager Manager Transformation Communications Funding Manager C u l t i v a t e P a r t n e r s h i p s Anna Fasouli Vanda Franciscy Berkay Hacimustafa Teta Karampini Emma Kiraly Olta Konda Boris Kolev Vanessa Mercado Programme Associate Public Grants Project Programme Manager Finance Associate Head of Digital Communications Senior Programme Director for Events and Manager Transformation Associate, Office of the Manager Development S CEO t r e n g h t e n O n e J A G Elizabeth Pulo Laura Rossy Ramirez Bruno Porcidonio Effie Papazisi Bora Selenica Marija Mihailovic Sophie Norman Bojan Pavlovic e Director of Development Public Grants Associate Senior Monitoring, Finance and Events Business Development Events & Project Finance Assistant Alumni Development n Evalutaion & Learning Associate Intern Manager Coordinator - Manager E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s Maxi Torau Maryna Venneri Monique Wong Gaia Zanella Svetoslava Stoyanova Senior Public Grants Senior Development Senior Business Communications A Policy and Partnerships Project Manager Associate Development Manager Manager Coordinator Consultant b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 51
w e i v r e v O CEOS OF JA NETWORK I A d IN EUROPE n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l e c c A d e v r e s r e d n U e h t r e w o p m E s p i h s r e n t r a P e t a v i t l u C A J e n O n e t h g n e r t S 4 2 0 2 E - n e G s l a i c n a n i F e p o r u E A J t u o b A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 52
O v e r v i e w A c c e l e r a t e D i g i t a l a n d A I E m p o w e r t h e U n d e r s e r v e d C u l t i v a t e P a r t n e r s h i p s S t r e n g h t e n O n e J A G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 53
w e i v r e v O CERTIFICATIONS I A d ANYONE? n a l a t i g i D e t a r e l e c c JA Europe is leading the EMPASS project, which aims to develop an A employability micro-credential, the EmPass. In close collaboration with industry/employability partners and TVET institutions, EMPASS will drive a soft skill needs analysis in Greece, Romania and Spain and d e develop and test the innovative micro-credential able to certify the v r e most needed soft skills for entry level workers. The EmPass will be a s r e support for employers to assess the skill level of potential employees, d n while it will also aid TVET institutions to ensure work readiness of their U e students. h t r e In the framework of the project, the micro-credential programme will w o be piloted with 1.500 students in Spain, Romania, and Greece, before p MADRID m being finalised for scale-up and Europe-wide distribution. Through its E actions, the project intends to address youth unemployment and to speed up the achievement of the European Education Area (EEA). s p i h s r e n t r a The Entrepreneurial Skills Pass (ESP) is a unique international certification that validates both the skills P e t and experiences of young people in entrepreneurship. It is the first Junior Achievement (JA) micro- a v i credential specifically designed for participants in the JA Company Programme, which provides students t l u with a hands-on experience in launching and managing a business. This is done through a competence- C based self-assessment, which allows students to reflect on their own progress, followed by a final test that validates and certifies their knowledge about setting up and running a business. A J e n Initiated with the support of the European Commission, the ESP has since become a global initiative O endorsed by the Organization of American States (OAS) and has been recognized by the World Economic n e t Forum as one of 16 Education 4.0 Lighthouses. These lighthouses are examples of public-private h g collaborations that reimagine the youth learning experience and aim to inspire educators, parents, n e r policymakers, and employers alike. t S 5 10,000 44 4 Countries Regions New ESP holders 2 0 2 E - n e G MAURITIUS TÜRKIYE s l a i c n a n i F e p ARGENTINA NIGERIA o r u E A J t u o b WATCH THE ESP TEASER VIDEO LEARN MORE ABOUT ESP A 2023/2024 Annual Report - JA Europe 54
O v e r v i e w RECOGNISING THE JA A c c EUROPE NETWORK e l e r a t e D i g i t a l a n d A I E m p o w e r t h e U n d e r s e r v e d TJ BATA QUALITY AWARD 2023 MODEL NATIONS AWARD 2023 C u l t i v a t e P a r t JA Lithuania was recognised as a top JA Model n A total of 27 JA Europe member organisations e Organisation for its exceptional performance in r were honoured with the prestigious Model s h advancing JA's mission through innovation and i Organisation Award during the JA Europe Annual p s strategic initiatives. General Assembly. This award recognises national JA organisations that maintain the highest quality S The TJ Bata Quality Award, presented at the JA standards, meeting or exceeding benchmarks in t r e Europe Annual General Assembly, honours JA the previous reporting year. n g Member Organisations that consistently meet h t high-quality standards and contribute to JA e The 2023 JA Model Organisations are Albania, n Europe’s strategic goals. JA Lithuania stood out for O Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, n its achievements in student growth, volunteer e Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, J A engagement, programme innovation, and Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, alignment with JA’s European strategy, particularly Norway, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, in supporting the creation of a Venture Fund. G Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United e n Kingdom. - E The Jury, composed of representatives from the 2 0 Bata Shoe Foundation and JA Europe Board 2 4 members, praised JA Lithuania’s growth, innovation, and strategic initiatives. Elvira Pignal, Trustee of the Bata Shoe Foundation, commended F i n their demonstration of entrepreneurial values and a n capabilities. c i a l s WATCH THE TJ BATA QUALITY AWARD VIDEO A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 55
w e i v r e v O JA WORLDWIDE NOMINATED I A FOR THE 2024 NOBEL PEACE d n a l a PRIZE t i g i D e t a r e l e c c A d e v r e s r e d n U e h t r e w o p JA Worldwide has been nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, our third nomination in three years. m E Nobel Peace Prize nominations may be received from heads of state, certain elected officials and cabinet members, university professors in selected fields, past Nobel laureates, and other notable individuals, as s p laid out by the Nobel Nominating Committee. A number of eligible nominators approached us about i h s nominating JA Worldwide and, although the identity of each nominee officially remains anonymous for r e 50 years, we were thrilled to have been given evidence that we were nominated this year. n t r a P Starting with our second nomination in 2023 and continuing through today, JA staff members e t a throughout the world have begun working toward a collective goal: living up to the promise of Alfred v i t l Nobel’s vision. These nominations are changing us, forcing us to ask,
O v e r v i e w OUR SUPPORTERS, PARTNERS A c c e l & DONORS e r a t e D i g i t a l a n d INSTITUTIONAL A I E m p o w e r t h e U n d e r s GOLD e r v e d C u l t i v a t e P a r t n e r s h i p s S t r e n g h t e SUPPORTERS, PARTNERS & DONORS n O n e J A G e n - E 2 0 2 4 F i n a n c i a l s A b o u t J A E u r o p e JA Europe - 2023/2024 Annual Report 57
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