Today, we announced that Encore Capital Group (Encore) has established a partnership with Junior Achievement USA, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for the future, and make smart academic and economic choices. This partnership expands on Encore’s current relationship with the San Diego Chapter of Junior Achievement.

Through this partnership, Encore will extend financial support to additional local Junior Achievement chapters as well as donate employee volunteer time. The company will support chapters in locations where its U.S. subsidiary, Midland Credit Management (MCM), operates, including Phoenix; Roanoke, Virginia; San Diego; St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Troy, Michigan.

The announcement, which comes as Encore commemorates Financial Literacy Month this April, is an extension of the company’s Mission to help consumers create pathways to economic freedom. The partnership also aligns with Encore’s community impact pillar of promoting financial freedom by connecting people to the skills, tools and resources they need to take control of their money and responsibly manage debt.

“I’m extremely proud of Encore’s expanded partnership with Junior Achievement USA, and thankful to their team for welcoming us to support their vision in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities,” said Ashish Masih, President and CEO of Encore. “I’m especially pleased with the way this partnership grew from the passion of our colleagues who volunteered their energy to show up for young people in our communities. Our expanded partnership with Junior Achievement connects us even more closely with our purpose by enriching young people with vital financial educational resources to empower their future.”

Prior to this new expanded partnership, Encore first started its relationship with Junior Achievement through its San Diego chapter in 2023 through financial contributions and a donation allowing employees to use company time to volunteer with the organization. Additionally, employees had previously volunteered with Junior Achievement in some of their local chapters in organic efforts led by Encore’s employee resource groups, such as the Black Employee Network (BEN), and Encore’s Community Impact site leaders.

As part of this expanded partnership, Encore employee volunteers will support the various Junior Achievement educational programming efforts that equip elementary, middle, and high school students with foundational personal finance skills.

“We at Junior Achievement know that financial literacy education in schools can make all the difference toward young people developing habits that lead to financial health later in life,” said Jack Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “We greatly appreciate Encore’s investment in the financial health of upcoming generations who will be better prepared to achieve their potential as a result.”

Junior Achievement’s positive impact on young people is borne out by data. Research shows that their organization’s alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success, and have started a business as an adult.