1. Who runs the JA Company Programme?

The JA Company Programme is run by JA Cyprus – a non-profit organization, which is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, one of the largest global NGOs dedicated to addressing fundamental social and economic challenges of young people by educating and empowering them to transform their future and own their economic success. JA Cyprus is a partnership between the business community, educators, mentors and volunteers — working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential.

2. How long does the JA Company Programme run?

The JA Company Programme runs for one academic year (September – July) where students, teachers and mentors have the chance to participate in educational trainings and information sessions. Through this one academic year, JA Cyprus offers 2 teachers’ trainings, 2 students’ trainings and 1 mentors’ training along with the 2-day trade fair where the student companies exhibit their product or service idea to the public, and the finale awards ceremony where the 10 top student companies present their ideas in front of a panel of judges. Furthermore, students have weekly meetings with their teachers and mentors.

3. Is there any cost for participating in the programme?

The program is offered free of charge to all participating schools, public or private. However, for events organized with the physical presence such as the Trade Fair and the Finale Awards Ceremony, any travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by JA Cyprus.

4. How is the programme implemented?

The programme is run with the philosophy of blended learning.  A variety of webinars and trainings are offered to students, teachers and mentors virtually, while the 2 main events of the programme – the Trade Fair and the Finale Awards Ceremony- are offered with physical presence. Also, JA staff members are able to offer information or training sessions to schools throughout the school year, either virtually or physically with visits at schools.

5. What is the programme’s structure?

The Company Programme is approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth and schools are informed with a circular by the ministry, at the beginning of the academic year. The participation is voluntarily, and the programme is implemented either in the free time of teachers and students or within the “Creativity – Action – Social Contribution” activities scheme of each school.

The responsibility for the implementation of the program is taken by at least one teacher who is also supported by a business volunteer who guides the student team through his own professional experience and knowledge.

All students, teachers and mentors, as soon as they register in the programme, they are provided with access on the JA Cyprus LMS platform where they can find all the educational material of the programme.

6. What is the role of teacher?

The Company Programme is open to teachers from all disciplines. Teachers from all course specialties are allowed and welcome to join the programme!

The program is implemented by at least one responsible teacher in collaboration with other teachers of the school and in communication with the JA Cyprus. His/her primary role involves the students’ information regarding the programme, the  organization of the student group, the communication and cooperation with the business volunteer/mentor who supports the team, the compliance with the programme’s rules and time limits and the facilitation and communication with all those involved in operation of the student company.

7. What is the role of business volunteer/mentor?

The main role of the business volunteer/mentor is to bridge the distance between school education and real-life business.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor to a student company, your role will be:

• Advisory
• The link to the outside world: To offer advice as to how approach external consultants, suppliers, businesses
• Bring your experiences to the table
• Motivate students to set goals
• Ask for clarifications, ask questions, listen
• Encourage the students to take action/follow up on them
• Constructive criticism
• Inspire the students, Recognize their hard work and results
• Encourage students to do self-evaluation and reflection on their performance

Mentors are requested to make themselves available to their teams for a minimum of of 5-8 hours during the period of November to April. Meetings can take place most preferably virtually. A face-to-face meeting could be arranged with the presence of their teacher and the permission of the head teacher (if at school).

8. Do I get a certificate for participating in the JA Company Programme?

Each student participating in the JA Company programme has the chance to complete the two ESP questionnaires (pre and post) and get a participation certificate of their involvement within the JA Company Programme. Furthermore, students have the chance to take the ESP exam (not compulsory) and be awarded with an additional certificate verifying their entrepreneurial knowledge gained.

9. What students gain from participating in the JA Company Programme?

Students learn to:

• Raise real finance by selling shares
• Open and use their own company bank account
• Carry out market research
• Work together to create their business plan
• Develop their own product or service
• Market and promote their product or service
• Trade with the public
• Manage the company finances
• Take part in trade fairs
• Compete with other schools in ‘company of the year’ competitions.
• Learning outcomes

Students can develop enterprising skills, attitudes and behaviours, including:

• Creative thinking and problem solving
• Communication and presentation skills
• Confidence and a can-do attitude
• Teamwork and leadership
• Negotiation and decision making
• Setting goals and time management
• Risk management
• Curricular or thematic relevance

10. Do students on their own can take part in this programme or only through their school?

The program is based on the philosophy of school group participation and implementation under the pedagogical responsibility of at least one responsible school teacher. Therefore, applications for participation are made by the responsible teacher or headmaster/headmistress.

11. What is the relationship of JA Company Programme and Entrepreneurial Skills Pass (ESP)?

The Entrepreneurial Skills Pass is a unique international certification of skills and experiences. This is the first JA micro-credential specifically designed for the JA Company Programme. It combines a competence-based assessment for students to reflect on their own progress with a final examination validating and certifying their theoretical and factual knowledge about business issues and concepts.