JA Innovation Challenge

When: Friday, February 07, 2025

Where: Kent State Trumbull

Time: 8:30 AM ET

 

We are excited to bring this hands-on learning experience back to an in-person setting for the first time since 2020! In partnership with Pizza Joe’s, JA Innovation Challenge immerses middle school students in grades 5-6 in the world of business by challenging them to develop a pitch for a new flavor of pizza for a target market of their peers. Guided by volunteers, students work together in teams of 3-5 to practice entrepreneurial thinking and experience the creativity, sense of accomplishment, and excitement that comes with solving a real-world business challenge!

JA Innovation Challenge teaches essential workforce readiness skills and helps kids develop a mindset for 21st-century careers. Students will learn about product development, profitability, advertisement and promotion, and appealing to a target market. The challenge concludes with a pitch competition to a panel of judges and Pizza Joe’s representatives. The winning flavor will be produced for purchase at the winning team’s local Pizza Joe’s with all profits benefiting their school!

Participating schools may bring up to 30 students.

Innovation Challenge Registration 2024 Event Flyer

JA Innovation Challenge Program Overview

• JA Innovation Challenge Program Overview

JA INNOVATION CHALLANGE 2024

The winners of the 2024 JA Innovation Challenge were Collin Lee, Tyler Bowman, Eyan Riedel, Jaxon Curd, and Carter Hartman from Lakeview School District. Watch as this group knocks it out of the park with their concession-themes pizza: the Ballpark Special!

JA INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2020

Watch the video below to see JA Innovation Challenge 2020 in action!

JA VIRTUAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2021

The winners of the JA Virtual Innovation Challenge 2021 were The Chicken Guys from Girard Intermediate School! Watch as this awesome group of 5th graders pitches their innovative pizza creation: The Chicken Quesadilla Pizza!

JA VIRTUAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2022

The winners of the JA Virtual Innovation Challenge 2022 were The Bacon Bunch from Heartland Christian School in Columbiana! Watch as this creative group of 6th graders pitches their innovative pizza creation: The Mac N' Cheese Supreme Pizza!

JA VIRTUAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2023

The winners of the JA Virtual Innovation Challenge 2023 were The Bacon Bunch from Blott Guy School of Liberty Local School District! Watch as this dynamic group of 7th graders pitches their innovative pizza creation: BBQ Bacon Wing Deluxe!

Become a Sponsor!

Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event! Contact us to get more information on how to sponsor a JA Event!

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