In 1949, the organization began allowing conference delegates to elect national leadership to play an active role contributing to program development, increasing public awareness and supporting fundraising.

[8] Notable JA alumni include former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, U.S.

Congressman Bob Clement, Subway restaurant founder Fred DeLuca, American actor Arte Johnson, journalist Dan Rather, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, comedian Amy Sedaris, and British Labour Party Politician David Lammy.

[9][10][11] Notable Canadian JA alumni include entrepreneur and television personality Manjit Minhas (Alberta),[12] marketing executive Jennifer Wilnechenko (British Columbia),[13] executive director of The DMZ at Ryerson University Abdullah Snobar (Ontario),[14] and young philanthropist Ben Sabic (Manitoba).

[15] The July 1962 issue of Analog Science Fact & Fiction published a short story by William M. Lee called "Junior Achievement", about a JA group consisting of genius children who invent and sell products beyond the comprehension of their adult leader.