BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Junior Achievement of Western PA - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.jawesternpa.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Junior Achievement of Western PA REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T173000 DTSTAMP:20260413T174331Z CREATED:20240820T153145Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T174331Z UID:10000003-1770139800-1770139800@www.jawesternpa.org SUMMARY:18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation DESCRIPTION:JA’s 18 Under EighteenPresented by the EQT Foundation\n Nominate a young leader for the class of 2027! \n \n Nominate Today\n \nNominations Close for JA’s 18 Under EighteenPresented by the EQT Foundation\n Days Hours Minutes Seconds \nABOUT     HONOREES     EVENT DETAILS     PARTNERS     MEDIA     FAQS \nAbout 18 Under Eighteen\nJA’s 18 Under Eighteen\, Presented by the EQT Foundation\, has celebrated 90 of the boldest young leaders across our region – students making real impact in their schools\, neighborhoods\, and communities. \nReal Leaders. Real Impact. Real Change. \nDo you know a young changemaker or a duo who is making a difference? Nominate them before September 30\, 2026. \n \n Nominate Today\n \n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qU8i2Xee8g \nClass of 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nEvent Details\nDate: February 2\, 2027 | Time: 5:30 pm \nJoin us at Acrisure Stadium where we will honor the extraordinary young leaders who are shaping our future—Stay tuned and be sure to mark your calendar to be part of the celebration! \n \n \nPartners\nPartnerships for these events are critical for JA to continue providing life-changing programs to 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! \n \n Partnership Opportunities\n \nThank you to our 2026 Partners!\n\n \n \nPresenting Partner \n\n Billboard Partner\n\n Supporting Partner\n\n Supporting Partner\n\n Contributing Partner\n\n Contributing Partner\n\n Class Partner\n\n Class Partner\n\n Class Partner\n\n Commercial Realty Partner\n\n Investment Partner\n\n Local Partner\n\n Local Partner\n\n Local Partner\nCheck out what our event attendees had to say\n\n JA has provided me with such a wonderful experience. This organization is well-equipped to support future dynamic leaders who are innovators and entrepreneurs. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of this honoree class.\n Liam WelgeClass of 2024 Honoree\n This experience to me has been so amazing. I have grown so much\, and have the opportunity to have it showcased is very meaningful. I feel absolutely honored to be named one of the 18 under eighteen honorees.\n Emma WinklerClass of 2024 Honoree\n My experience with JA has provided a holistic leadership education alongside the 18 Under Eighteen honor. I will carry the lessons learned from the training provided into my adulthood\, and I hold dear the connections that I have made with the staff and fellow honorees. When going into the fields of advocacy and service\, you never expect accolades or applause\, but it is profoundly empowering to know that organizations like JA will uplift and support young change-makers and their causes.\n Grace Reid-VenselClass of 2023 Honoree\n From the relationships I made with my fellow honorees to the career connections JA offers\, 18 under eighteen has been one of the most beneficial experiences I’ve had in my life.\n Jason GarlandClass of 2023 Honoree\n Being able to work with JA has allowed me to expand horizons and meet wonderful people who are as dedicated to helping the community just as much as me.\n Alekhya BuragaddaClass of 2024 Hnoree \nEvent Photos \n\nFrequently Asked Questions \n\n\n\n How do I become one of the 18 Under Eighteen honorees?\n \nTo become a recipient of JA’s 18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation Awards\, you must be nominated or self-nominated and then selected as a recipient. \n\n\n\n Why should I nominate an individual\, team\, or myself?\n \nThank you for considering nominating yourself or someone you know. \nThis is an opportunity to recognize and share someone’s inspiring story and accomplishments with others – including your own. \nIf you’re considering nominating yourself\, remember you know your story better than anyone else. This is your chance to be your biggest cheerleader! \nTeams can be nominated as part of a team and individually:  \nYou may submit:  \n\n A team nomination\nSeparate individual nominations for one or both members\nTeams will be showcased together in all public-facing marketing content. \n\n\nEach honoree will also receive their own individual content piece that JA will share internally for future use. \n\n\nBoth individuals will receive their own award and gifts provided by JA and/or our partners. \n\n  \nIf one of the nominees is determined to be a stronger candidate individually\, they may be invited to interview alone rather than as part of the team.  \nThe 18 honorees will receive: \n\nLeadership training taught by White House recognized community leader\, author\, producer\, and speaker\, brand and leadership development expert\, BeNeca Griffin\nRecognition in the media and a personal billboard thanks to Lamar Advertising\nNetworking\, mentoring and scholarship opportunities\nGifts from partners\n\n\n\n\n How are teams evaluated?\n \nWhen reviewing team nominations\, judges will consider:  \n\nThe overall team accomplishments \n\n\nThe team’s leadership and community support \n\n\nThe impact of each individual \n\nTo advance to the interview stage\, both individuals must demonstrate balanced impact and contributions. Our goal is to honor teams composed of two equally strong individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their community or initiative—even if their roles were different.  \n\n\n\n Who is eligible to be nominated for these awards?\n \nNominations are open to anyone 18 years or younger (during the 2026-27 school year) regardless of their gender\, sex\, race\, class\, religion\, ethnicity\, ability\, language\, sexual orientation\, or gender identity. \nNominees must reside within one of the 56 counties that encompass JA’s coverage area in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. \nPA: Allegheny\, Armstrong\, Beaver\, Bedford\, Blair\, Butler\, Cambria\, Cameron\, Centre\, Clarion\, Clearfield\, Clinton\, Crawford\, Elk\, Erie\, Fayette\, Forest\, Fulton\, Greene\, Huntingdon\, Indiana\, Jefferson\, Lawrence\, McKean\, Mercer\, Potter\, Somerset\, Tioga\, Venango\, Warren\, Washington\, and Westmoreland \nWV: Barbour\, Berkeley\, Brooke\, Doddridge\, Grant\, Hampshire\, Hancock\, Harrison\, Lewis\, Marion\, Marshall\, Mineral\, Monongalia\, Morgan\, Ohio\, Pleasants\, Preston\, Ritchie\, Taylor\, Tucker\, Tyler\, Upshur\, Wetzel\, and Wood \nNominees do not have to have participated in JA programming to be eligible. \n\n\n\n What’s the deadline for nominations?\n \nThe deadline for nominations is September 30\, 2026 at 11:59PM. \n\n\n\n What are the judges looking for with each nominee?\n \nThe judges will evaluate each nominee in the following categories: leadership\, community service\, entrepreneurial spirit\, extraordinary skillsets\, advocacy\, and/or any talent or intangible qualities that contribute to the nominee’s road to success. \n\n\n\n Who makes up the committee of judges?\n \nThe committee is made up of a diverse panel of judges in the corporate\, non-profit\, community\, and educational sectors of our region. \n\n\n\n Can I submit other supporting documentation (awards\, certificates\, etc.)?\n \nYes. Whether you are the nominator or submitting a self-nomination\, you can submit supporting documents.  \nThe deadline for nominations is September 30\, 2026\, at 11:59PM. \n\n\n\n Can I make changes to my application?\n \nAfter submission\, applications will no longer be open for edits. \n\n\n\n How can I tell when and how I was nominated?\n \nAll nominations for JA’s 18 Under Eighteen presented by the EQT Foundation will be kept private. \n\n\n\n How many finalists will JA select from the nominations?\n \nThirty-six finalists will be chosen from the pool of nominations. These finalists will move on to the second round in the process which consists of a virtual interview. \n\n\n\n What if I am chosen as one of the thirty-six finalists?\n \nFinalists will be required to choose one of the following time slots for their virtual interview: \n\nTime 1: 5:00 PM\nTime 2: 5:30 PM\nTime 3: 6:00 PM\nTime 4: 6:30 PM\nTime 5: 7:00 PM\nTime 6: 7:30 PM\nTime 7: 8:00 PM\n\nOn the evenings of October 14th and 15th\, 2026. Finalists will receive an agreement that must be signed by a parent or guardian\, acknowledging that by accepting the interview\, they understand they are committing to the possibility of becoming a JA 18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation honoree and will attend all required virtual and in-person events. \n\n\n\n What is the duration of the finalist interviews?\n \nEach interview will be 30 minutes and no more\, barring any technical issues on video interviews. \n\nTeams interview together if they advance to that stage. \n\n  \nNominations and interviews are scored based on both:  \n\nThe strength of the team as a whole \n\n\nThe strength of the individual members \n\n  \n\n\n\n How and when will I be notified of the judges’ decision?\n \nAll finalists will be notified of their selection status on October 22nd via email. \n\n\n\n If I am selected as one of the 18 honorees\, can I immediately announce my acceptance?\n \nJA will not be announcing the 2027 honoree class to the public until January 5\, 2027. All honorees will be provided a full media kit that will include their headshots from media day\, sample social media posts and copy. We ask all honorees to hold public announcements until January 5\, 2027. \n\n\n\n As an honoree\, am I required to attend any events?\n \nHonorees (individual and teams) will be required to attend a one-hour informational session on November 13\, 2026. \nHonorees (individual and teams) will be required to attend an in-person media day for headshots and video content on November 15\, 2026. \nIn the weeks leading up to the recognition event\, the honorees (individual and teams) are strongly encouraged to attend eight hours of the Intern to VP ® Professional Branding and Leadership Development Training Program presented by Moments of Focus LLC. \nThe date of the workshops: \n\nNovember 13\, 2026 (1-hour introduction session)\nDecember 11\, 2026 (2-hour session)\nJanuary 8\, 2027 (2-hour session)\nJanuary 15\, 2027 (2-hour session)\nJanuary 23\, 2027 (2-hour session)\nFebruary 5\, 2027 – (1-hour wrap session)\n\nHonorees (individual and teams) will also be required to attend JA’s 18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation reception event scheduled for February 5\, 2027. \n\n\n\n When/Where is media day and what is required of me as an honoree for media day?\n \nA signed media release form from a parent or guardian as well as in-person attendance is required by all honorees. \nFor teams\, both honorees will be required to attend. \nMedia day will be held on November 15\, 2026 at JA BizTown® 90 Emerson Lane\, Suite 1403\, Bridgeville\, PA 15017. \n\n\n\n Where will the reception event take place and what is the attire?\n \nThe event will be held at Acrisure Stadium located at 100 Art Rooney Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15212. \nAll attendees: Candidates are encouraged to dress as formally as they are able to for the event. No jeans\, sleeveless shirts\, or anything ripped/distressed. Please contact info@jawesternpa.org with any concerns or questions. \n\n\n\n What is the schedule for the in-person award ceremony?\n \nDoors open at 5:30 PM. The main event will take place from 6:30-8:30 PM. \n\n\n\n How many in-person tickets will I receive as one of the 18 honorees?\n \nEach honoree will receive a complimentary code for (3) tickets\, (1) for themselves and (2) for guests\, to the in-person award reception. All attendees will still need to register for the event utilizing the complimentary code provided. Additional tickets will be available for purchase. \n\n\n\n What if the attendee cannot attend the in-person event?\n \nAt the time of nominations\, the nominator will be asked to best answer whether the nominee is available for in-person attendance at the event. The ability to attend the in-person event will factor into the selection of the eighteen candidates. \n\n\n\n Is there parking for the event?\n \nParking options can be found here. \n\n\n\n Is there a hybrid option to view the award ceremony?\n \nYes. Registration for both in-person and virtual event tickets are available. \n\n\n\n I have a question that I don’t see within your FAQ. Who do I contact?\n \nFor questions about the nomination\, interview\, or honoree process\, please contact:  Kelsie Hutsko\, Hospitality and Events Manager  📧 khutsko@jawesternpa.org | 📞 412-218-0854  \n\nTo become a recipient of JA’s 18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation Awards\, you must be nominated or self-nominated and then selected as a recipient. \nThank you for considering nominating yourself or someone you know. \nThis is an opportunity to recognize and share someone’s inspiring story and accomplishments with others – including your own. \nIf you’re considering nominating yourself\, remember you know your story better than anyone else. This is your chance to be your biggest cheerleader! \nTeams can be nominated as part of a team and individually:  \nYou may submit:  \n\n A team nomination\nSeparate individual nominations for one or both members\nTeams will be showcased together in all public-facing marketing content. \n\n\nEach honoree will also receive their own individual content piece that JA will share internally for future use. \n\n\nBoth individuals will receive their own award and gifts provided by JA and/or our partners. \n\n  \nIf one of the nominees is determined to be a stronger candidate individually\, they may be invited to interview alone rather than as part of the team.  \nThe 18 honorees will receive: \n\nLeadership training taught by White House recognized community leader\, author\, producer\, and speaker\, brand and leadership development expert\, BeNeca Griffin\nRecognition in the media and a personal billboard thanks to Lamar Advertising\nNetworking\, mentoring and scholarship opportunities\nGifts from partners\n\nWhen reviewing team nominations\, judges will consider:  \n\nThe overall team accomplishments \n\n\nThe team’s leadership and community support \n\n\nThe impact of each individual \n\nTo advance to the interview stage\, both individuals must demonstrate balanced impact and contributions. Our goal is to honor teams composed of two equally strong individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their community or initiative—even if their roles were different.  \nNominations are open to anyone 18 years or younger (during the 2026-27 school year) regardless of their gender\, sex\, race\, class\, religion\, ethnicity\, ability\, language\, sexual orientation\, or gender identity. \nNominees must reside within one of the 56 counties that encompass JA’s coverage area in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. \nPA: Allegheny\, Armstrong\, Beaver\, Bedford\, Blair\, Butler\, Cambria\, Cameron\, Centre\, Clarion\, Clearfield\, Clinton\, Crawford\, Elk\, Erie\, Fayette\, Forest\, Fulton\, Greene\, Huntingdon\, Indiana\, Jefferson\, Lawrence\, McKean\, Mercer\, Potter\, Somerset\, Tioga\, Venango\, Warren\, Washington\, and Westmoreland \nWV: Barbour\, Berkeley\, Brooke\, Doddridge\, Grant\, Hampshire\, Hancock\, Harrison\, Lewis\, Marion\, Marshall\, Mineral\, Monongalia\, Morgan\, Ohio\, Pleasants\, Preston\, Ritchie\, Taylor\, Tucker\, Tyler\, Upshur\, Wetzel\, and Wood \nNominees do not have to have participated in JA programming to be eligible. \nThe deadline for nominations is September 30\, 2026 at 11:59PM. \nThe judges will evaluate each nominee in the following categories: leadership\, community service\, entrepreneurial spirit\, extraordinary skillsets\, advocacy\, and/or any talent or intangible qualities that contribute to the nominee’s road to success. \nThe committee is made up of a diverse panel of judges in the corporate\, non-profit\, community\, and educational sectors of our region. \nYes. Whether you are the nominator or submitting a self-nomination\, you can submit supporting documents.  \nThe deadline for nominations is September 30\, 2026\, at 11:59PM. \nAfter submission\, applications will no longer be open for edits. \nAll nominations for JA’s 18 Under Eighteen presented by the EQT Foundation will be kept private. \nThirty-six finalists will be chosen from the pool of nominations. These finalists will move on to the second round in the process which consists of a virtual interview. \nFinalists will be required to choose one of the following time slots for their virtual interview: \n\nTime 1: 5:00 PM\nTime 2: 5:30 PM\nTime 3: 6:00 PM\nTime 4: 6:30 PM\nTime 5: 7:00 PM\nTime 6: 7:30 PM\nTime 7: 8:00 PM\n\nOn the evenings of October 14th and 15th\, 2026. Finalists will receive an agreement that must be signed by a parent or guardian\, acknowledging that by accepting the interview\, they understand they are committing to the possibility of becoming a JA 18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation honoree and will attend all required virtual and in-person events. \nEach interview will be 30 minutes and no more\, barring any technical issues on video interviews. \n\nTeams interview together if they advance to that stage. \n\n  \nNominations and interviews are scored based on both:  \n\nThe strength of the team as a whole \n\n\nThe strength of the individual members \n\n  \nAll finalists will be notified of their selection status on October 22nd via email. \nJA will not be announcing the 2027 honoree class to the public until January 5\, 2027. All honorees will be provided a full media kit that will include their headshots from media day\, sample social media posts and copy. We ask all honorees to hold public announcements until January 5\, 2027. \nHonorees (individual and teams) will be required to attend a one-hour informational session on November 13\, 2026. \nHonorees (individual and teams) will be required to attend an in-person media day for headshots and video content on November 15\, 2026. \nIn the weeks leading up to the recognition event\, the honorees (individual and teams) are strongly encouraged to attend eight hours of the Intern to VP ® Professional Branding and Leadership Development Training Program presented by Moments of Focus LLC. \nThe date of the workshops: \n\nNovember 13\, 2026 (1-hour introduction session)\nDecember 11\, 2026 (2-hour session)\nJanuary 8\, 2027 (2-hour session)\nJanuary 15\, 2027 (2-hour session)\nJanuary 23\, 2027 (2-hour session)\nFebruary 5\, 2027 – (1-hour wrap session)\n\nHonorees (individual and teams) will also be required to attend JA’s 18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation reception event scheduled for February 5\, 2027. \nA signed media release form from a parent or guardian as well as in-person attendance is required by all honorees. \nFor teams\, both honorees will be required to attend. \nMedia day will be held on November 15\, 2026 at JA BizTown® 90 Emerson Lane\, Suite 1403\, Bridgeville\, PA 15017. \nThe event will be held at Acrisure Stadium located at 100 Art Rooney Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15212. \nAll attendees: Candidates are encouraged to dress as formally as they are able to for the event. No jeans\, sleeveless shirts\, or anything ripped/distressed. Please contact info@jawesternpa.org with any concerns or questions. \nDoors open at 5:30 PM. The main event will take place from 6:30-8:30 PM. \nEach honoree will receive a complimentary code for (3) tickets\, (1) for themselves and (2) for guests\, to the in-person award reception. All attendees will still need to register for the event utilizing the complimentary code provided. Additional tickets will be available for purchase. \nAt the time of nominations\, the nominator will be asked to best answer whether the nominee is available for in-person attendance at the event. The ability to attend the in-person event will factor into the selection of the eighteen candidates. \nParking options can be found here. \nYes. Registration for both in-person and virtual event tickets are available. \nFor questions about the nomination\, interview\, or honoree process\, please contact:  Kelsie Hutsko\, Hospitality and Events Manager  📧 khutsko@jawesternpa.org | 📞 412-218-0854  URL:https://www.jawesternpa.org/events/18-under-eighteen/ LOCATION:Acrisure Stadium\, 100 Art Rooney Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15212 CATEGORIES:Featured Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.jawesternpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Color_18UnderEighteenLogo2024.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR