Fostering financial literacy among young people and preparing them for the workplace has been the mission of Junior Achievement since it was founded in 1919.

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And many middle and upper-middle class families think that it will impress admission officers if junior has volunteered at a local hospital or participated in some summer program abroad.

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For parents the transition from Child Trust Funds to Junior ISAs has been tricky.

BBC: The frustration of the Junior ISA

Junior Achievement has gotten into the classroom as well, with free, year-round programs at various elementary schools across the country.

WSJ: Making Young Kids Smarter About Finance