Red Deer & District Chamber and Junior Achievement Southern Alberta Partner to Support Local Youth

The Red Deer District Chamber and Junior Achievement (JA) Southern Alberta are proud to announce a strategic partnership focused on preparing the next generation of employees, entrepreneurs, and community leaders while supporting the long-term success of Central Alberta businesses.

As employers across the region continue to identify workforce development as a key priority, the partnership will create stronger connections between local businesses and young people through experiential learning in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and leadership.

Together, the Chamber and JA Southern Alberta will explore opportunities that introduce students to the diverse careers available in Central Alberta while helping businesses engage directly with future talent. By connecting education with industry, the partnership supports both youth success and the long-term economic prosperity of the region.

"The strength of our business community depends on the people who will lead it tomorrow," said Frank Creasey, CEO, Red Deer & District Chamber. "This partnership reflects our commitment to developing local talent, supporting our members' workforce needs, and helping young people see meaningful career opportunities right here in Central Alberta."

Junior Achievement has been preparing young people for success for more than six decades through hands-on learning experiences that build practical life and workplace skills. Research demonstrates the lasting impact of these programs: 65 percent of JA alumni say the experience influenced their decision to stay in school, one in five have started their own business, and alumni are three times more likely to pursue entrepreneurship.

"Strong communities are built when businesses invest in young people," said Jessica Cohen, President & CEO, JA Southern Alberta "Working alongside the Red Deer District Chamber allows us to connect students with local employers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who can inspire them, share real-world experiences, and help them build the confidence and skills they need for the future."

The partnership will support future initiatives that bring together students, educators, families, and the business community through career exploration events, volunteer mentorship opportunities, and experiential learning programs that help young people better understand the world of work while showcasing the opportunities available throughout Central Alberta.  This forward-looking collaboration marks the renewal of a long-standing relationship between the Chamber and JA Southern Alberta, originally established in 1987, after a lapse of several years.

By investing in today's students, the Red Deer District Chamber and JA Southern Alberta are helping ensure Central Alberta businesses have access to the skilled, confident, and entrepreneurial workforce they will need for years to come.

About the Red Deer District Chamber
About the Red Deer District Chamber: Founded in 1894, the Red Deer District Chamber is a membership-based business advocacy and support organization representing over 800 member businesses in Red Deer and the surrounding area. The Chamber works to ensure a vibrant, sustainable business community and provides programs, services, and advocacy that help local businesses succeed.

About JA Southern Alberta
Junior Achievement (JA) Southern Alberta inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy through experiential learning in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Since 1960, JA Southern Alberta has partnered with educators, volunteers, and the business community to deliver real-world learning experiences that empower students to build successful futures and contribute to a stronger economy.
For more information, visit jasab.ca.