EVENTS
Hands-On Learning Experiences for All
At Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore, we host several events throughout the year to raise money to support our programming. These events also engage the community in our efforts to reach students. We offer several ways to get involved and be a part of the impact!

JA STOCK MARKET CHALLENGE
February 26, 2026
Oak Ridge Church, Salisbury MD
This challenge follows the in classroom curriculum of JA Take Stock in Your future which introduces students to the fundamentals of stocks and bonds, the impact of world events on the stock market, long-term investing, and how investors make decisions and diversify their portfolios. Students then get to put their learning into practice in the JA Stock Market Challenge, a hands-on and high-tech immersive simulation.
Teams of high school students compete in a live stock market simulation to see who can grow their initial investment into the largest net work mock stock portfolio. Every 60 seconds in the simulation equates to one full day of trading, creating the same urgency and intensity investors would have on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

JA INSPIRE
March 11 & 12, 2026
Wicomico Civic Center
JA Inspire brings together local businesses with aspiring students in hopes of igniting the early spark for their future careers.
At this event, students dive into immersive, hands-on activities, gaining practical experience with industry tools and equipment, all while engaging directly with influential business leaders from the Eastern Shore community.
Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore pairs in-classroom curriculum with hands-on learning experiences designed to teach students how to be financially independent, have an entrepreneurial mindset, and be knowledgeable of their options and resources for entering the workforce.

JA EMPOWER
April 14 & 15, 2026
Talbot County Community Center
JA Empower is a hands-on career fair experience that connects high school students with the people, programs and pathways that shape life after graduation. Students engage directly with employers, colleges, and training programs too gain a better understanding of their options and what it takes to advance their career.
Designed to turn curiosity into action, JA Empower emphasizes real-world connection and actionable insight. Students leave with a clearer sense of direction while community partners have the opportunity to engage early, inspire students, and help shape the region's future workforce.

JA 18 UNDER 18
May 18, 2026
Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center
Do you know a young person who makes a difference every day, steps up when it counts, and leads by example? Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore's 18 Under 18 award ceremony celebrates 18 exceptional young students along the shore under the age of 18. We’re shining a spotlight on the movers and shakers of our community!
Award recipients take part in a professional media session, are celebrated at a special recognition event, and receive prizes, scholarships, and awards from our generous local sponsors.
Nominations for 2027 will open this coming Fall
JA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore programming offers students varying opportunities to immerse themselves in career exploration and professional development. Check out our highlights from this year's Leadership Academy here!
JA EVENTS PHOTO GALLERY
BECOME AN EVENT SPONSOR
Sponsorships for Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore events are critical for our educational programming to continue providing life-changing experiences for 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! Reach out to info.easternshore@ja.org for more information on how to sponsor a JAES Event!