Volvo Financial Services (VFS) and Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide have empowered over 24,000 students globally with essential financial skills by mid-2024. Through a combined effort of more than 180 VFS employee volunteers and dozens of JA educators, the partnership aims to boost financial literacy, equipping young people with skills such as entrepreneurial thinking, budgeting, and career development.
Building on the success of last year’s programme, which reached over 14,000 students, the collaboration is on track to impact even more youths by the end of this year. VFS President Marcio Pedroso highlighted the tangible impact of the initiative, saying: “We know that we are providing these young people with tangible skills to boost their financial literacy and help change the course of their futures.”
Tailored financial literacy programmes are delivered in each market to meet the specific needs of the students. In the United States, the ‘JA It’s My Future’ programme prepares students for the working world by teaching personal branding and job-hunting skills. Upon completion, students have learned how to create a resume, research careers, and navigate job interviews.
In Italy, VFS employees continue their work on the JA Company Programme, which helps students create and manage business ventures. Volunteers mentor the students through the process, guiding them to develop successful startups that meet local community needs. This year, VFS Italy supported students through the programme’s final competition, where they presented their business ideas.
Daniel Mello, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability at VFS, emphasised the importance of mentoring: “The additional aspect of mentoring students by sharing personal stories and experiences is what makes a difference. Making these personal connections helps bring the programmes’ messages to life.”
In 2024, VFS extended the programme to three new markets: Canada, Romania, and Sweden, joining the existing 12 countries including Brazil, France, India, and the UK. As schools return for the new academic year, the programmes are set to accelerate across all markets.
VFS’ collaboration with JA Worldwide aligns closely with the Volvo Group’s sustainability ambitions, particularly its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Financial literacy education directly contributes to several SDGs, including promoting quality education, ending poverty, and empowering women and girls.
Volvo Financial Services is the financial arm of the Volvo Group, dedicated to innovation and supporting society in adopting sustainable transport solutions. Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, VFS serves customers and dealers in around 50 markets. The Volvo Group itself, founded in 1927, provides transport and infrastructure solutions across nearly 190 markets and is committed to shaping the future of sustainable transport.
In 2023, Volvo Group’s net sales reached SEK 553 billion (EUR 48 billion). For more information, please visit www.volvofinancialservices.com