Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

What Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County does

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating as a regional affiliate of Junior Achievement USA, delivering K-12 educational programs in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship to schools across Greater Fairfield County, Connecticut. Founded in the 1950s (with the firmographic record showing 1947), the organization was formed through a 2021 merger of two Junior Achievement regions and currently serves 13,694-14,000+ students annually across 54 schools and youth-serving organizations in four sub-regions: Greater Bridgeport, Lower Fairfield, Greater Danbury, and the Lower Valley. Programs are delivered at no cost to schools through a hybrid model combining in-classroom volunteer-led instruction, virtual platforms (JA Finance Park Virtual, JA Inspire Virtual, JA Connect Learning Platform), and experiential events such as the Stock Market Challenge.

JAGFC's product portfolio spans grade-level classroom curricula (e.g., JA Ourselves for kindergarten through JA Personal Finance 2.0 and JA Company Program for high school), experiential programs (Stock Market Challenge, Empowered for Change, Financial Literacy Night), and digital learning tools. The organization does not develop proprietary technology; instead, it licenses and adapts curriculum and platforms from Junior Achievement USA, including the JA Connect Learning Platform and the JA Access Your Future app co-developed with PwC. Delivery is enabled by a network of corporate and community volunteers drawn from a deep partner ecosystem that includes Wells Fargo, Synchrony, M&T Bank, Webster Bank, TJX, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pitney Bowes, Prudential, and Aquarion, among others.

JAGFC operates a freemium revenue model in which programs are provided free of charge to schools and students; the organization is funded entirely through contributed revenue streams including foundation grants (e.g., Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation, Elisabeth C. DeLuca Foundation, Katharine Matthies Foundation), corporate contributions and sponsorships, municipal grants (notably a $255,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant from the City of Bridgeport awarded in 2021), individual donations (including planned giving and matching gift programs), and annual fundraising events such as the JA Golf Classic at Winged Foot and the JA Golf Invitational at Greenwich Country Club. As a local chapter, JAGFC is governed by a Board of Directors with oversight from Junior Achievement USA and is currently led by President & CEO Kim Morgan, who was appointed effective June 1, 2025, succeeding Bernadine Venditto.

Name

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

Legal name

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

Website

https://jagfc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free K-12 programs in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to over 14,000 students annually across 54 schools in Greater Fairfield County, Connecticut, funded through corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and individual donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Financial Literacy Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Virtual Test Prep & Online Supplemental Instruction (K–12) (EDAJADAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Virtual CTE & Career Pathways Programs (K–12) (EDAJADAL)

Keywords

• Financial literacy education
• Youth entrepreneurship programs
• Career readiness education
• K-12 business education
• Volunteer-led learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Shelton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants: Multi-year grants from private foundations including Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation ($50,000), Elisabeth C. DeLuca Foundation, and others for general operating support and specific program funding.
2. Corporate Contributions: Corporate donations and sponsorships from companies like Wells Fargo ($70,000 total: $10,000 CIB grant + $60,000 Philanthropy), Synchrony (title sponsor of Golf Classic), M&T Bank ($60,000 for Bridgeport Future Leaders), and TJX.
3. Municipal Grants: Government funding including $255,000 grant from City of Bridgeport through American Rescue Plan Act (2021-2024), awarded to expand program delivery in Bridgeport area.
4. Annual Fundraising Events: Major fundraising events including JA Golf Classic at Winged Foot and JA Golf Invitational at Greenwich Country Club, which are critical for program funding.
5. Individual Donations: Direct donations from individuals, with planned giving options through wills, trusts, IRAs, and donor advised funds. Organization offers matching gift program to double individual contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County delivers K-12 educational programs focused on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship to students across Greater Fairfield County, Connecticut. Programs are provided free of charge to schools, educators, and students, and are delivered in classrooms and community settings by trained corporate and community volunteers using a standardized JA curriculum. The organization supplements classroom instruction with experiential learning events (Stock Market Challenge, JA Inspire Virtual career fair, Empowered for Change, Financial Literacy Night) and digital learning platforms (JA Connect, JA Finance Park Virtual, JA Access Your Future app).

Product overview

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County delivers a portfolio of educational programs focused on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship for K-12 students. The organization offers a multi-level program structure including classroom programs (K-5: JA Ourselves, JA Our Families, JA Our Community 2.0, JA Our City, JA Our Region, JA More than Money; Middle School: JA Economics for Success; High School: JA Company Program, JA Be Entrepreneurial, JA Career Speaker Series, JA Personal Finance 2.0, JA High School Heroes, JA It's My Job), experiential learning offerings (Stock Market Challenge, JA Inspire Virtual, Empowered for Change, Financial Literacy Night), and digital learning platforms (JA Connect Learning Platform, JA Access Your Future app). Programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers in schools throughout Greater Fairfield County, with options for in-person or virtual delivery. The organization is part of the national Junior Achievement network and all programs are provided free to schools, funded by local businesses, foundations, and individuals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• JA Ourselves Kindergarten program that introduces young students to basic concepts of personal finance and community through interactive lessons.
• JA Our Families First grade program exploring the role of families in the economy, teaching children about family roles and responsibilities.
• JA Our Community 2.0 Second grade program teaching students about community helpers, civic responsibility, and basic economic principles.
• JA Our City Third grade program introducing students to city systems, careers, and the flow of goods and services in an urban economy.
• JA Our Region Fourth grade program exploring regional economics, businesses, and the interconnections between communities.
• JA More than Money Fifth grade program teaching students about earning, spending, saving, and sharing money, along with basic entrepreneurship concepts.
• JA Economics for Success Middle school program (grades 6-8) helping students understand personal finance fundamentals including budgeting, credit, and career planning.
• JA Company Program High school program that empowers students to fill a need or solve a problem in their community and teaches practical skills required to conceptualize, capitalize, and manage their own business venture.
• JA Be Entrepreneurial High school program with three variants (Creative Problem Solving, Rapid Business Planning, Think Like an Entrepreneur) that teaches entrepreneurial thinking and business creation skills.
• JA Career Speaker Series High school program connecting students with local entrepreneurs and business professionals who share insights about starting their own business and career paths.
• JA Personal Finance 2.0 High school program providing comprehensive personal finance education including budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, and financial decision-making.
• JA High School Heroes High school program where students develop leadership and communication skills by teaching Junior Achievement programs in elementary schools.
• JA It's My Job (Soft Skills) High school program developing workplace soft skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional conduct.
• JA Finance Park Virtual Virtual financial literacy simulation where middle and high school students learn how to budget, manage expenses, plan careers, and make informed financial choices.
• Stock Market Challenge Competition where students apply concepts from the JA Take Stock in Your Future curriculum by investing and trading shares from fictitious companies, accumulating net worth in investment portfolios.
• JA Inspire Virtual Virtual career exploration fair where students learn about local high-growth industries and careers, featuring virtual career booths and interactions with industry professionals.
• Empowered for Change Program dedicated to inspiring and equipping young women to reach their full potential through meaningful connections with female coaches, professional development, and personal empowerment.
• Financial Literacy Night Event where students and families participate in financial literacy programs covering topics including spending, saving, investing, credit, and risk management.
• JA Connect Learning Platform Online platform providing Junior Achievement resources to help students accelerate their success through digital learning materials.
• JA Access Your Future Mobile application presented by Junior Achievement and PwC to help students explore career paths and educational requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 69% of JA alumni currently work in their dream career, compared with only 25% of the general public
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Webster BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner supporting JA Take Stock in Your Future, Stock Market Challenge, JA Economics for Success, and JA More than Money programs. Bank's partnership reflects shared belief in education's power to drive economic mobility.
• Wells FargocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated partner for over a decade supporting through funding and hands-on volunteer engagement. Wells Fargo CIB provided $10,000 grant and local Philanthropy team granted $60,000 for financial literacy programs. Volunteers led sessions and hosted Bridgeport students at NYC offices.
• SynchronycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLoyal supporter and leading sponsor of the JA Golf Classic for several years. Plays important role in advancing financial literacy and career readiness programs.
• Boehringer IngelheimcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerModel partner for over ten years contributing through charitable foundation and employee volunteers. Conducted JA in a Day at Westside Middle School Academy in Danbury and healthcare career panel at Danbury High School.
• Aquarion Water CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutstanding partner for many years with board participation (Peter Fazekas, George Logan) and classroom volunteering. Financial contributions help bring JA Inspire: Here to Career to more students.
• Pitney BowescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLoyal and generous partner for many years supporting programs, Hall of Fame events, and student experiences. Provides committed volunteers in classroom and board representation (Andrew Gold, Chief HR Officer).
• United Way of Coastal and Western ConnecticutcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Social Equity Council through Community Investment Grant Program supporting organizations in Disproportionately Impacted Areas in Bridgeport and Stamford.
• Union Savings BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for many years with volunteers visiting schools including P-Tech High School in Norwalk to teach about managing money through investing, saving, and budgeting.
• BankwellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated as volunteer sponsor in Stock Market Challenge Spring 2026 event for 175+ high school students from seven schools.
• RSM US LLPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated as volunteer sponsor in Stock Market Challenge Spring 2026 event for 175+ high school students from seven schools.
• Post Road Equipment FinanceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated as volunteer sponsor in Stock Market Challenge Spring 2026 event for 175+ high school students from seven schools.
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing financial counseling services for public school teachers as part of Synchrony's Empowering Financial Futures program.
• Operation HOPEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing financial counseling services for public school teachers as part of Synchrony's Empowering Financial Futures program.
• Yale New Haven HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteers from hospital served as guest speakers sharing healthcare career information with Bullard-Havens Technical High School students as part of JA Inspire: Here to Career program.
• Bridgeport Caribe Youth LeadersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting entrepreneurial programming with $10,000 grant award.
• The Workplace (CT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with JAGFC for Manufacturing Career Awareness Event featuring Sikorsky, Bigelow Tea, and other manufacturers to expose students to CT manufacturing careers.
• Santa EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in Energy and Conservation Panel Discussion as part of Industry Insider Series for middle and high school students.
• EversourceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in Energy and Conservation Panel Discussion as part of Industry Insider Series for middle and high school students.
• Odyssey Logistics and TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured in Transportation and Logistics Panel Discussion as part of Industry Insider Series for middle and high school students.
• BGRSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured in Transportation and Logistics Panel Discussion as part of Industry Insider Series for middle and high school students.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Junior Achievement USA: National parent organization of the Junior Achievement network, coordinating 99 area offices serving 4.4M+ students annually. Directly comparable as the umbrella that provides JAGFC's curriculum, brand, and digital platforms (JA Connect, JA Finance Park Virtual).
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Large national youth development nonprofit operating through local affiliate clubs delivering afterschool programming. JAGFC already partners with Boys & Girls Clubs (Wakeman) for delivery; comparable as a youth-serving nonprofit with similar donor base and volunteer model.

Direct peers

• Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE): National nonprofit delivering entrepreneurship education to young people from under-resourced communities, with a similar volunteer-led, classroom-based model. Highly comparable in mission (youth entrepreneurship), funding model (corporate/foundation grants), and target audience (middle/high school students).
• Junior Achievement of Southwest Connecticut: Another Connecticut-area Junior Achievement chapter delivering the same JA program suite to K-12 students. Directly comparable in mission, program structure, and funding mix, though serving overlapping/adjacent geography rather than direct competition.
• DECA: National student organization preparing emerging leaders for careers in business, marketing, finance, and hospitality. Comparable in focus on career readiness and entrepreneurship education for high school students, with similar volunteer/sponsor engagement model.
• 4-H: National youth development organization operated by cooperative extension offices, delivering hands-on learning in life skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship to K-12 students. Comparable as a youth education nonprofit with similar grant/foundation funding model.
• Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut: Another Connecticut-based Junior Achievement area office offering the same K-12 financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship programs. JAGFC itself was formed by merging two regions, illustrating the close operational comparability of these sibling chapters.

Regional players

• Junior Achievement of New York: Sibling Junior Achievement area office serving the New York metro region. Operates an identical program portfolio (financial literacy, work readiness, entrepreneurship) with the same national brand backing and similar nonprofit funding model, but in a different geography.
• Junior Achievement of Maine: A smaller Junior Achievement area office operating the same K-12 financial literacy and entrepreneurship curriculum. Comparable as a regional JA chapter, though at a smaller scale and in a different state.
• Junior Achievement of Eastern Massachusetts: Junior Achievement area office serving eastern Massachusetts with the same JA program suite and nonprofit funding model. Comparable in mission and programs, with different geographic focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/JA_GFC
• Facebookfacebook.com/JAGFC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-greater-fairfield-county

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County