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Are you completing the Company Program Curriculum with Junior Achievement North? Or thinking about it? Good work! The JA Company Program gives you the opportunity to fill a need or solve a problem in your community by launching a business venture. In the process you’ll learn about small businesses, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Good news! You also can earn university credit at Metropolitan State if you complete the Company Program successfully either at school or through Junior Achievement's LaunchU! Program!

What is the Junior Achievement-Metropolitan State Entrepreneurship Scholars Partnership?

Through the Junior Achievement-Metropolitan State Entrepreneurship Scholars partnership, Grades 11 and 12 students who complete the Company Program learning goals can apply as Visiting Students at the university, and be awarded two credits of university-level work. The JA Entrepreneurship Scholars credit is approved by faculty in the Entrepreneurship department and major, who reviewed the coursework and assignments for the project.

How to earn your Metropolitan State credits

  1. Participate in and complete the JA Company Program at your local high school or community organization in Minnesota or North Dakota.
  2. Complete the required level of study, assignments, assessments, and the team project at a successful level to receive the JA Company Program Certificate of Completion.
  3. Apply for free to Metropolitan State as a Visiting Student, using this special application form for the partnership.
  4. When you earn your Certificate of Completion as a JA Entrepreneurship Scholar, submit it to the Metropolitan State Admissions Office.
  5. Two credits of lower-division elective credit will be awarded to your Metropolitan State transcript, with no tuition or fees charged. Your JA Scholar credits can be part of your Metropolitan State program if you are admitted for a degree. You will be able to obtain a student or official copy of your transcript.
  6. Explore the Bachelor’s degree majors and programs that are available at Metropolitan State. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major, for example, prepares learners for starting and operating a business or non-profit organization, or for leading innovations within organizations or for social-issues advocacy. Explore Metropolitan State for a bachelor’s degree and learn how to apply.
Developing an innovative mindset and competencies in entrepreneurship are proven skills that build character and critical thinking as well as expand opportunities in personal, economic, and civic development. This unprecedented partnership between Metropolitan State University and Junior Achievement represents a collaboration that will strongly prepare our community's young and emerging leaders to be their best selves.

— Dr. Denise E. Williams (“Dr. DEW”)
Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Diversity, Organizational Behavior