The gap between what young people learn in a classroom and what they actually need to navigate the real world has always existed — but Carmen Boyko and the team at JA Nova Scotia are doing something concrete about it. As Director of Philanthropy and Communications, Carmen is part of an organization that has been showing up for Nova Scotia students since 1969, providing hands-on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs entirely free of charge to youth aged five to twenty-five.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Since 1969, JA Nova Scotia (Junior Achievement) has educated and empowered students to make thoughtful decisions about financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Offered at no cost, our programs provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities both in school and through extracurricular activities for youth aged 5 to 25. By engaging participants in real-world scenarios and experiences, we help equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build a successful future.
Our programs complement and enhance the curriculum students receive at school, bringing added focus and clarity to the importance of comprehensive planning for success. We encourage young people to be proactive, step outside their comfort zones, and develop autonomy, self-belief, and confidence. Through both classroom and extracurricular learning, our programs inspire youth to explore their potential and prepare for the future with purpose.
Additional note: Founded in 1919, JA has grown into one of the world’s largest youth-serving nonprofits, serving millions of students each year. JA Nova Scotia opened in 1969 as the first East Coast Canadian charter, launching its first program for Grade 11 and 12 students in Halifax learn-by-doing approach to practical business education. The program was promoted as an ideal opportunity for young Canadians to gain exposure to the business world, with benefits not only for participants but for the broader community.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Many young people are navigating an increasingly complex world without adequate practical knowledge, real-world experience, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about money, education, work, and entrepreneurship. Although schools provide an essential academic foundation, students need additional learning opportunities to build the transferable skills required to help them succeed in life, and in a changing economy. JA works alongside educators and community volunteers to provide accessible, hands-on learning that strengthens financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurial thinking. These experiences help young people develop the mindset, skills, and confidence to build successful futures and contribute to strong communities.
When did you start/join it?
I began with JA Nova Scotia in August of 2022
What made you want to get involved?
I was drawn to JA because I have always found purpose in helping young people build confidence, discover their potential, and gain the real-world insights they need for the future. Being able to do that as part of a supportive, collaborative, and values-driven team makes the work especially meaningful.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I joined JA in 2022, Nova Scotia schools were just emerging from the pandemic with educators and students returned to in-person learning. We were working together to determine how additional supports, including JA programming, could be thoughtfully reintroduced into the curriculum. At the same time, some programs continued to be delivered virtually, which shifted the dynamic of how we engaged with volunteers, educators, and students.
How has it changed since?
Today, we are back in classrooms, equipping educators with the resources and support they need to deliver meaningful learning experiences. At the same time, we are creating valuable opportunities for volunteers to engage directly with students as program facilitators and as career mentors through our World of Choices program. These experiences help strengthen students’ connection to real-world learning and provide them with insights that bridge the classroom and the workplace.
What more needs to be done?
I think JA needs to keep strengthening how we support educators and students. JA already has a strong foundation, and we make it easy for teachers to partner with us in ways that fit their classrooms. We also need to ensure our content keeps pace with the future, including digital confidence, financial resilience, and the skills that matter most in a changing world.
How can our readers help?
This year, provincial funding is no longer available to JA Nova Scotia, creating a new challenge to keeping our programs free for youth and educators. We are asking our community to step in so young people don’t lose access to life‑changing learning experiences. We need our community’s financial help now and look forward to speaking with individuals and businesses about supporting program delivery, a school or even a class. We know Nova Scotians have a strong tradition of giving, and now is the time to invest in students’ futures, supporting JA’s student resources, program coordination, and in-class program material for students. Together, we can help ensure more students are prepared for the future. Learn more. Get involved. Make an impact. Visit http://www.janovascotia.ca.
Do you have any events coming up?
On October 14th at the Halifax Convention Centre, JA Nova Scotia will host our signature fundraising gala, the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame, which will welcome a new incoming class of Laureates, as well as our 2nd group of Legacy In The Making Recipients, all being honoured for their achievements.
This year’s Laureates are: William (Bill) Hay, James (Jim) Kehoe, and Thomas (Tim) Moore.
This year’s Legacy In The Making Recipients are: Jaime Landry, Dr. Mina Mekhail, and Ross Simmonds.
Tables now available. You can learn more by visiting nsbusinesshalloffame.ca.
Where can we follow you?
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | BlueSky | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
I would love to see Couch for Hope receive recognition and promotion through this program.
