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JA Biztown: Connecting Real-World Learning with the Classroom
Financial literacy, work and career readiness. Those are a few of the words that can describe the work Junior Achievement is doing to help young children and teenagers feel confident and succeed in a today’s world. Specifically, their JA Biztown program helps students better understand work readiness, financial literacy and entreprenuership. Check out the specifics of JA Biztown and ways to get involved and empower students to achieve their dreams.
What is JA Biztown?
JA Biztown is a real-world simulation for 4th-6th grade students where they can experience a day in the life of an adult: what it’s like to have a job or owning a business, vote, pay bills, make purchases and more.
This all-day field trip and experience connects what students are learning in the classroom to what is happening in the real world. After the field trip, students are led in discussions about the role they play as citizens, workers, consumers and identify the importance of citizen rights and responsibilities in a community, among other topics.
How can I help?
Volunteers are always needed to help out with JA Biztown! This isn’t your typical volunteer outing though — you’ll also be assigned a business to run as well as 4-10 students to guide. As you run your business, your students will pop over to ask questions, receive advice, and make sure they’re staying on task.
If you’re worried about what to expect, don’t worry! Training is provided before the simulation starts, so make sure you arrive early to have all your questions answered.
Volunteers can expect the shifts to last about 4-5 hours with a break for lunch or a snack onsite.
Events Year-Round
JA Biztown has several events where you can serve, including ten days in October, eight in November and one in December. With over 25 schools participating in the simulation this fall semester, Junior Achievement is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are ready to make a difference and help give these students the best experience possible.
If you or a group of your friends, family or coworkers would like to volunteer, Sara Swearingen would love to hear from you! You can reach her at [email protected] or 913-689-5462.