As we step into Financial Literacy Month, the significance of financial education for young people in Alberta and across Canada cannot be overstated. At Junior Achievement Northern Alberta, we witness firsthand the transformative power of equipping our next generation with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make sound financial decisions.
Financial literacy is more than just managing money—it’s about enabling future prosperity. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) recognizes this, and each November, organizations like ours come together to help Canadians build a better understanding of their finances. This effort extends beyond knowledge; it helps create the financial resilience needed to navigate economic uncertainty, rising costs and personal challenges – things we are all grappling with given our current economic reality. This becomes even more important for our youth, who will soon enter a world that demands more from their financial acumen than ever before.
How are we tackling this at JA? Our in-school programs, which focus on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship have seen an incredible surge in demand. Schools throughout the province invite us to deliver hands-on lessons that not only teach financial basics but also inspire students to think critically about their financial futures. It’s in these classrooms that we spark conversations about budgets, savings and even the future of money—conversations that can fundamentally shift how students approach their financial lives.
There is always more work to do. Alberta’s economy is evolving rapidly, and with it, the financial landscape our young people must navigate. Inflation, housing affordability and an increasingly digital economy present challenges that require sophisticated financial literacy skills. That’s why we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed today and in the future.
This month, I’m asking you to support our work and give the gift of financial acumen to our youth, the future leaders. We all play a role in supporting the next generation. Let’s continue to foster a financially literate society—one that is resilient, resourceful and ready for whatever the future may hold. You can be an investor in the next generation. A contribution of just $50 helps a student complete six hours of financial literacy programming. To me, that’s an investment worth making. Visit JA today to be a funder of our critical programs.