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What if...
I learned sooner, rather than later?
Junior Achievement of West Virginia
and the Advantage Valley
History
Junior Achievement of West Virginia and the Advantage Valley, Inc. began in 1971 as Junior Achievement of Kanawha Valley, Inc. and opened its doors in 1972 with Henry "Hank" Kopcial as executive director. At the end of the year, the local organization was named the best new program in the nation and served over 300 students.
In 1974 JA opened a new office at 708 Bigley Avenue and ran 25 after school companies in Kanawha County. The programs were introduced in Beckley the following year.
JA began its 10th year (1981) with 44 student companies and 1,000 high school students in six counties. During the same year a successful capital campaign was conducted to purchase the building at 708 Bigley Avenue.
Project Business, the Middle School Program, was introduced to Kanawha County in 1982. In 1985 JA introduced their first elementary school program, Business Basics, for fifth graders.
1986 saw a decline in enrollment in JA companies. During the refocusing of JA's programs from after school to in-school, JA sold the building at 708 Bigley Avenue, but continued to reside there. In 1987, the local board decided to follow the national trend of ending the evening program and focusing on the in-school programs. In 1988, JA held its first Bowl-A-Thon.
In 1992, JA added the Economics of Staying in School program; this program was designed especially for at-risk students. In 1993, JA piloted the second grade program, Our Community, in Kanawha County.
By 1996, JA offered programs to students in Kindergarten through twelfth grades. On October 12, 1996, JA celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special Founders Day Celebration.
In the fall of 1997, JA moved to 818 Oakwood Road. On January 12, 1998, Junior Achievement of Kanawha Valley, Inc. officially changed its name to Junior Achievement of West Virginia, Inc. to reflect the growth of its programs and the expansion into new counties in West Virginia.
On September 8, 1999, JA introduced its West Virginia Business Hall of Fame dinner to recognize individuals who have had a lasting impact on the free enterprise system. Mr. Robert F. Baronner was the first laureate to be honored.
During the 2001-2002 school year, JA introduced two new pilot programs - Personal Finance and TITAN. Both programs utilize the internet to teach students about business and finance.
On July 1, 2002, Junior Achievement of West Virginia, Inc. merged with Junior Achievement of the Ohio Valley, Inc., whose office was located in Ashland, KY. The merger allowed JA to increase its area by six counties in Kentucky and two counties in Ohio. At this time the name of the organization was changed to Junior Achievement of West Virginia and the Advantage Valley, Inc.
As of fiscal year 2006-2007, Junior Achievement of West Virginia and the Advantage Valley, Inc. served 4,147 students, provided 189 courses (usually 5 classes per course) with 116 volunteer consultants. We do this with two full-time and one part-time employees, which keeps our overhead extremely low, due to our heavy reliance on volunteer consultants and community partnerships. We have, do, and will deliver services in a highly effective manner.