The Junior Achievement South East Texas Company Program has changed the lives of hundreds of students by giving them something few classrooms can offer: the opportunity to build a real business, solve real problems, and develop the confidence to lead.

As a participant, I know this firsthand. Through the Company Program, I learned how to identify problems, develop solutions, pitch ideas, work with a team, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Those experiences led my team to compete on the national stage—an opportunity that would never have existed without this program.

That is why the decision to discontinue the JA South East Texas Company Program is so difficult to understand.

This is not a struggling program. It is one of Junior Achievement's strongest. At the 2026 Junior Achievement Future Bound Company of the Year Competition, the South East Texas region earned two podium finishes. For the 2026 Junior Achievement Future Bound Social Innovation Challenge Competition, the South East Texas region was awarded the STEM Innovation Award Presented by Johnson & Johnson. Over the past five years, the program has consistently ranked among the nation's best, earning more than ten national podium placements and demonstrating a sustained record of excellence.

Eliminating a program with this level of success sends the wrong message to students, educators, volunteers, and community partners who have invested countless hours into its growth.

The impact extends far beyond competition. The Company Program teaches leadership, financial literacy, communication, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving—skills that prepare students to succeed regardless of the careers they choose. It gives young people the confidence to transform ideas into action while connecting them with mentors and business leaders throughout the community.

Around the world, Junior Achievement programs reach students in more than 100 countries because experiential entrepreneurship education works. Ending the Company Program in South East Texas contradicts JA's mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Rather than discontinuing one of the organization's most successful regional programs, we ask JA South East Texas, community leaders, educators, volunteers, alumni, and business partners to work together to identify sustainable solutions that preserve this opportunity for future generations.

The next entrepreneur, innovator, nonprofit founder, or community leader may be waiting for the chance that this program provides. They deserve that opportunity.

Please sign this petition and help ensure that the JA South East Texas Company Program continues to inspire, educate, and empower students for years to come.