JA Social Innovation Challenge

Name: JA Social Innovation Challenge
Start: 2026-09-01 00:00:00.0
End: 2027-04-30 00:00:00.0
Location: Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas

Featuring: JA Be Entrepreneurial (Think Like an Entrepreneur)

JA Be Entrepreneurial® is a reimagined, modular learning experience that teaches students about the mindset and the skills needed for success by aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators who add value to any organization. In JA Think Like an Entrepreneur, students develop a mindset that enables opportunity identification, innovation, value creation, and problem solving. (Grades 9-12)

Featuring: JA Be Entrepreneurial (Creative Problem Solving)

JA Be Entrepreneurial® is a reimagined, modular learning experience that teaches students about the mindset and the skills needed for success by aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators who add value to any organization. In JA Creative Problem Solving, students learn and apply design thinking, an innovative process for problem solving used by entrepreneurs (and intrapreneurs) to brainstorm customer-centric ideas. (Grades 9-12)

Featuring: JA Be Entrepreneurial (Rapid Business Planning)

JA Be Entrepreneurial® is a reimagined, modular learning experience that teaches students about the mindset and the skills needed for success by aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators who add value to any organization. In JA Rapid Business Planning, students learn about the Lean Model Canvas, the strategic management template for developing business models. (Grades 9-12)

Happening Now!

When: Tuesday, September 01, 2026 - Friday, April 30, 2027

Where: Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas

Time: 12:00 AM ET

Students learn how to conduct market research, identify and leverage competitive advantages, as well as learn problem-solving, critical thinking, business strategy, the art of a pitch, and the importance of working as a team. Local entrepreneurs and business executives serve as judges for the competition in a Shark Tank-style format. Using the JA Be Entrepreneurial curriculum, JA Social Innovation Challenge empowers young entrepreneurs with the skills needed to conceptualize a successful business plan.

For more information, contact Hayley Reeves hreeves@jacarolinas.org
For sponsorship information, contact Cord Bailey cbailey@jacarolinas.org
For volunteer opportunities, contact Julia Grant jgrant@jacarolinas.org

Event Flyer

Become a Sponsor!

Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event!