Highlights from JA’s First Partner Summit
Author: Cord Bailey
Community Involvement
Published:
Wednesday, 29 Apr 2026
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Image caption: JA USA CEO, Jack Harris, with JA of Central Carolinas President & CEO, Melissa Kilby.
Celebrating Impact and Partnership: Highlights from JA’s First Partner Summit
On April 13, 2026, Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas proudly hosted its first-ever Partner Summit, bringing together business partners, volunteers, board members, and community leaders for an afternoon focused on impact, collaboration, and what’s next for students across our region.
Held at JA's TowneBank Opportunity HQ, the summit marked an important milestone; not just as a new convening, but as a shared moment to reflect on how partnerships power JA’s mission of preparing young people for real-world success and economic mobility.
Education for What’s Next
The summit opened with a fireside chat featuring Jack Harris, CEO of Junior Achievement USA, and Melissa Kilby, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. Together, they explored the role JA plays nationally and locally in advancing economic mobility through experiential, career-connected learning, from elementary school simulations to high school workforce pathways and innovative models like 3DE Schools by JA.
The conversation reinforced a central theme of the day: preparing students not just for graduation, but for what comes next; college, career, and lifelong success.
Image caption: Student & Alumni Panel
Student Voices at the Center
One of the most powerful moments of the summit came during the student and alumni panel facilitated by Crystal Taylor, where participants shared firsthand how JA programs shaped their confidence, skills, and aspirations. From JA BizTown and JA Be Entrepreneurial to workforce readiness experiences, these stories brought the impact of JA’s programs to life and underscored why early, hands-on learning matters. Hearing directly from students and alumni served as a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a young person gaining the tools to navigate their future.
Image caption: Partner Panel Discussion
Partners Power the Mission
The summit also spotlighted the essential role partners play in delivering JA’s mission. An engagement panel, moderated by Cord Bailey, featured corporate and community partners who shared why they invest their time, talent, and resources in JA, and what they see when they volunteer alongside students. From job shadow experiences to experiential learning centers and workforce readiness programs, panelists highlighted how collaboration between education and industry strengthens outcomes for students and communities alike.
Image caption: JA Partner Summit Attendees
Looking Ahead: JA’s 2030 Vision
As the summit concluded, Melissa Kilby shared JA of Central Carolinas’ 2030 Strategy, outlining a bold path toward transformational impact. The vision includes expanding experiential learning opportunities, deepening high school engagement, launching mobile learning experiences, and growing innovative models like 3DE; all in close partnership with schools, businesses, and community stakeholders. The message was clear: achieving this vision will require continued collaboration, investment, and shared commitment, and JA’s partners are central to that journey.
Thank You for Partnering for What’s Next
JA’s first Partner Summit was a celebration of what’s possible when a community comes together around students. We are deeply grateful to every partner, volunteer, speaker, and student who made the day meaningful.
Together, we are not just reflecting on impact, we are building the future.
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