“Growing up in Prince George, I can say these opportunities are unlike anything else in Northern B.C.”

This reflection came from a Scotiabank volunteer at a JA program’s market day in Prince George, where entrepreneurial youth showcased their products, managed money, and engaged with community members. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting.

Through a three-year partnership with Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE initiative, JA British Columbia (JABC) is expanding access to hands-on learning for youth who face systemic barriers to opportunity. ScotiaRISE is Scotiabank’s 10-year, $500 million initiative focused on strengthening economic resilience among disadvantaged groups, and its support helps enable JABC to deliver experiential programs across British Columbia.

In the first year of this three-year investment, ScotiaRISE support played a meaningful role in strengthening JABC’s program delivery. Between April 1 and October 31, 2025, the partnership contributed to 6,134 program engagements for underserved youth across the province. Programs were delivered in partnership with community organizations such as MOSAIC and YMCA Northern BC, reaching newcomer and refugee youth, Indigenous youth, neurodiverse youth, and young people in rural, Northern, and high-need communities.

“At Scotiabank, we believe that it is critical to equip youth with the tools and skills needed to access real world opportunities and break down socio-economic barriers,” said Robyn Chisholm, Vice President, Commercial Banking, British Columbia at Scotiabank.

“We are proud to support JA British Columbia and their JA Boundless program through ScotiaRISE. I am so thrilled to see the passion of our team through their volunteer work with JABC, a true testament to our belief in the program.

JA programs focused on practical, real-world learning that supports long-term economic resilience. During this period:

2,036 youth participated in financial literacy programs

579 youth explored entrepreneurship

1,664 youth benefited from mentorship

Through these programs, youth gained hands-on skills in budgeting, goal setting, project planning, pricing and selling products, pitching ideas, and collaborating with peers and mentors.

A total of 64 Scotiabank volunteers contributed their time and expertise, directly supporting youth learning across the province.

“We’re grateful to Scotiabank and the ScotiaRISE initiative for their support,” said Wendi Campbell, President and CEO of JA British Columbia.

“Their partnership helps us deliver critical programs to young people facing barriers, pairing practical experience in managing money and building ideas with mentorship from business and community volunteers.”