Citi and the Citi Foundation have been supporters of Junior Achievement for more than 25 years. In 2005, Citi Foundation provided $2,777,800 million to support JA operations in 47 countries, and 33 cities in the U.S. Not only are Citi and Citi Foundation Junior Achievement’s largest global financial supporters, but hundreds of Citi associates have volunteered in classrooms and on JA boards, bringing the important message of personal financial literacy to thousands of young people around the world.

In addition to their support of JA offices around the world, Citi Foundation committed $2.7 million in 2005 to JA Worldwide for the further development and implementation of JA Banks in Action. Already reaching more than 26,000 students in 26 countries, the program teaches high school students the principles of the banking industry through an interactive computer simulation. The redesigned JA Banks in Action launched in the fall of 2006. 

Working with a global network of colleagues and nonprofits in the community, the Citi Foundation supports programs in three areas: financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs.

Citi’s legacy of innovation and achievement is nearly 200 years old. The company has succeeded over the years because its leaders and its people take a long-term approach to their business.

What’s New with the Partnership

• In July 2007, Citi Foundation sponsored the first annual JA Banks in Action North American Competition (pictured above). Eleven teams from the United States and Canada gathered in New York City for an exhilarating game of financial know-how and skill, where good money management instincts were the key to survival. Team “Miracle Bank” from Newark High School in Newark, Del., bested the other semi-finalists from Delaware, Florida, Missouri, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, and Canada for the title.
   

• Citi Foundation was recently honored with the Gold President's Volunteer Service Award. In 2006, JA Worldwide became an official certifying organization for this award in order to bestow this degree of honor to corporations that provide volunteers to teach JA programs. Citi Foundation's Gold Award recognizes 15,000 volunteer hours or more.
   

• Through the support of Citi Foundation, JA Worldwide introduced JA Banks in Action in three languages; English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Additional translations of JA Banks in Action are planned for 2007, enabling young people all around the globe to experience the program through their native languages and cultures.
   

• JA Worldwide and Citi Foundation partnered to evaluate JA Banks in Action, documenting the value of this powerful learning experience for teachers and other important education stakeholders.