Welcome Mortenson Construction!

Building Futures One Child at a Time 

Pop quiz! What does Mortenson Construction have to do Junior Achievement? The answer is easy. Both are working to help Wisconsin youth build prosperous, sustainable futures. To show their commitment to the cause, this month, the Mortenson construction company storefront officially opened at JA BizTown in Milwaukee. Mortenson had such a meaningful experience with JA’s 3DE team last year, they asked how they could get more involved. JA BizTown was the perfect fit.

BizTown is a fully immersive experience where students feel like they’re stepping into a lifelike hometown, allowing them to experience real-world decision-making in realistic environments. Mortenson’s new addition features interactive activities like construction workers teaming up on building projects, a 3D Designer planning a sports stadium, a solar operator and more. Bringing a new business to life in JA BizTown is no small task. Big kudos to our entire education and marketing teams for making Mortenson an exceptional addition to JA BizTown!

What is an ELC?

(Hint: It’s What Makes JA Unique) 

If you’re new to JA, you may wonder what’s different about our approach; what makes us unique? Good Question! Junior Achievement’s Experiential Learning Centers (ELCs) are one powerful differentiator. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on applications, our learning centers help students build durable skills, strengthen confidence and better understand the connection between the choices they make today tomorrow’s opportunities.

Research shows that student engagement is a powerful indicator of academic achievement, career readiness and long-term success. Guided by volunteers and business professionals, students experience first-hand how decisions, skills and personal responsibility contribute to success. As they move through the experience, students collaborate with peers, solve problems, practice teamwork, and explore the responsibilities of citizenship, employment, and entrepreneurship. Learn more.

New Rules for Young Entrepreneurs - Apply Now!

This update could be a life-changer. Do you know a young entrepreneur who has operated their business since January 2026 and is looking for help promoting and supporting their work? This could be their moment to shine. Previously only open to student entrepreneurs in grades 9-12, the rules of JA’s annual Young Entrepreneur Competition have recently been updated to include young people 16-22 years old.

In the JA Young Entrepreneur Competition, student entrepreneurs compete against other student entrepreneurs throughout Wisconsin, pitching their businesses to a panel of local celebrity judges. Finalists are selected to present their businesses live in Appleton and Milwaukee for a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize. Spread the word!

JA Bulls and Bears Bash

Do you live in south central or southwest Wisconsin and would like to experience the thrill of the stock market while supporting the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators? Join us November 4 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison!

Start with $1 million in trading dollars, buy and sell stocks in a live trading environment, react to breaking news and market updates and compete for bragging rights and prizes - no investing experience required. It’s going to be an exciting evening of competition, networking and philanthropy benefiting Junior Achievement students across South Central and Southwestern Wisconsin. Appetizers, beverages, and spirits will be available throughout the evening. Online Auction Live - Bid Now!

JA Heroes Gala

Join us for our annual Heroes Gala, November 12 at The Florian Gardens in Eau Claire where you’ll discover that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Meet and mingle with friends and colleagues as we recognize and honor local student entrepreneurs, teacher partners, classroom volunteers and board members who have gone above and beyond in their work with area youth.

How You Can Help

When you sponsor a table or purchase individual seats, you help even more area young people on their road to achievement. Table sponsorships cover eight guest tickets and dinner. Don't have a party of eight? No problem. Donate additional seats to teachers or volunteers for Junior Achievement. Participate or become a sponsor now!

JA Titan –

Discovering the CEOs of Tomorrow

Our hunt for the next young CEOs of tomorrow begins in central Wisconsin this year, November 18 at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. Sign your students up and be a part of the excitement as the JA Titan Business Challenge brings business economics to life! Student teams compete as CEOs of a fictional cell phone company where they’re introduced to economic and management decision-making using critical thinking, strategy development and teamwork.

 JA Titan offers a fun, friendly competition with peers, collaborative business decisions, guidance from community business mentors and post-high school scholarships to top placing teams. The top placing team will also advance to the statewide competition. Win or lose, the JA Titan Business Challenge provides an understanding of how management decisions affect a company's bottom line. Register now or learn more.