January 2026

WOWs | Sharing Our Success

 

Did You Notice Our New Look? 

Introducing JA Impact! 




Every month, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin sends a statewide news update to educators, volunteers, donors, board members – the whole JA family. What used to show up in your Inbox as “Wows & Nows” is now “JA Impact,” a new look for a new year that underscores our mission to put students first by working with all of you to inspire, educate and lead them toward success — together.  

 

We hope the stories we share in JA Impact go beyond showing the “what we do” to sharing the “why we do it.” When we work in tandem with educators and other community-focused partners, we really can build a future-ready generation, ready to tackle whatever comes next. It’s our passion, and we wear it with pride. Here’s to a new year of helping new generations of young Wisconsin minds find their way and be the best they can be!  

Jennifer Gryniewicz Appointed Acting President of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin 



The Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Wisconsin has appointed Jennifer “Jenny” Gryniewicz as Acting President of the state level organization while JA searches for its next permanent President and CEO. Jenny also serves as JA of Wisconsin’s Vice President of Statewide Philanthropy and has been part of the organization’s leadership team since 2021.  

 

“We are confident in Jenny’s ability to provide steady leadership during this transition,” said April Dunn, Chair of the JA Wisconsin Board of Directors. “She understands our mission, our people, and our partners.” JA Wisconsin’s Board of Directors, along with executive search firm Spano Pratt, are accepting inquiries, nominations, and applications for the permanent position. The full job description and application details are available here. Learn Morelso

AI in the Classroom 

The Right & Wrong of Learning 



A USC report reveals how AI is helping students learn – and avoid learning – in the classroom. Most students use tools like ChatGPT to shortcut assignments, unless professors actively guide them toward deeper, more thoughtful usage, according to report findings. Widespread concerns about plagiarism, diminished creativity and inconsistent institutional support noted in another survey of 1,505

teachers from the United States, India, Qatar, Colombia and the Philippines. 

 

Studies like these highlight the importance of courses like JA Excellence through Ethics® in which students learn the importance of ethics and ethical decision making and how ethical and unethical choices affect everyone in a community. Students who have taken the course are better able to examine and challenge their own choices in daily life, work, school, and their community. Request a program. 


NOWs | Seeking Your Support

 

JA-Northcentral Area Honors 

Outstanding Leaders at

Spring Event 


Three business leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Wausau economy will be honored at the 16th Annual “Champions of Business Dinner” May 7 at the Jefferson Street Inn & Event Center in Wausau. A panel of independent judges will present the Developer Award to Jim Kemerling, who held several executive roles during his prestigious career, and Bill Reif, co-founder of Wausau Coated Products and Roastar. Anne Alexander, longtime community volunteer and founder of the Judd S. Alexander Foundation, will be honored posthumously with the Founders Award. 

 

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with Junior Achievement on this unique event to recognize the early visionary leaders and passionate innovators that have made Wausau what it is today,” said Marla Kolbeck, Champions of Business Chairperson. This year’s event sponsors include Ruder Ware, Samuels Group, Peoples State Bank, EO Johnson and Marathon Cheese Corporation. All proceeds benefit JA’s local programming. For tickets, call (715) 842-1056 or visit www.championsofbusiness.org or learn more now.  



JA Youth Camps a Summer Favorite 

Sessions Fill Quickly — Sign Up Now 


 

JA summer camps are a great way for young people to jumpstart their journey into adulthood. Spark your child’s young mind through daily lessons, hands-on activities and team-building games. JA’s summer camps also offer ways for grown-ups to get involved as individuals or as a business through event sponsorships. There are lots of ways to support local youth while having a great time! 

 

Our week-long summer experiences run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Campers engage in hands-on activities that spark creativity, leadership, and real-world thinking. Milwaukee area families, check out our Inspire & Serve Camp July 13–17 for students 10-13 at the JA of WI Experiential Learning Center in Milwaukee. Appleton area families, check out our event page for a July or August session at JA BizTown Summer Camp for students 9-13.  



April 23 is National Take Your Child to Work Day 

How Will YOU Take Part?  



National Take Your Child to Work Day combines two of our favorite things – young learners and hands-on learning. There’s no better way for parents to connect with their young one or for businesses to make a difference in their communities. There are lots of ways to take part, and whether you’re an employee, employer or sponsor, we’ve got you covered.  

 

Host an event to help young minds connect education to real-world career possibilities, empowering them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Together, we can help students discover their potential and prepare for a brighter future. Check out our activity guides organized by grade and coordinator toolkits—both in English and Spanish. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Jenny Gryniewicz or Learn more now. now. 



A Real Future Starts with Real Skills — and You.


Thank you for your support throughout the year. Your commitment helps us provide students across Wisconsin with the tools they need to dream big and achieve more.


As we look ahead, let’s keep the momentum going. Please consider a donation to Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.


Simply click “Donate Now” to choose the Wisconsin region you’d like to impact.


 
 
 
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