Junior Achievement is a not-for-profit organization funded by businesses, foundations, and individuals that aims to inspire, educate and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
Volunteers are provided training, materials and detailed speaking points for their Junior Achievement presentation in the classroom. The presentation includes teaching the provided concepts and facilitating the group activities. Volunteers need to commit to spending 5 sessions in the classroom, usually 30-45 minutes per session. The presentation dates and times will be arranged between each volunteer and their teacher, usually once a week for 5 weeks.
Please contact Aishwarya Sreenivasan for more information or any questions you may have about Junior Achievement.
The elementary school program at Jacob Wismer covers the following topics:
Kindergarten (not currently available due to funding) – Ourselves uses storybook characters in read-aloud and hands-on activities to introduce the role people play in an economy. Through engaging, volunteer-led activities, young students learn about individual choices, money, the importance of saving and giving, and the value of work.
First Grade – Our Families explains how family members’ jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the family and of the community. The program introduces the concept of needs and wants and explores the ways families plan for and acquire goods and services. Students analyze their own skills to determine ways they can support their families.
Second Grade – Our Community uses posters and games to offer practical information about businesses and the many jobs those businesses offer in a community. Students explore production methods through a simulation game, and they learn about taxes, decision making, and how money flows in an economy.
Third Grade – Our City introduces students to the characteristics of cities and how cities are shaped by zoning. Students also learn about the importance of money to a city; how financial institutions help businesses and city residents; and how the media is an integral part of a city’s life. Students learn the role of an entrepreneur by exploring what it takes to open a restaurant.
Fourth Grade – Our Region introduces students to entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurs use resources to produce goods and services in a region. Students operate a hypothetical hot dog stand to understand the fundamental tasks performed by a business owner and to see how money comes into and goes out of a business.
Fifth Grade – Our Nation provides practical information about the need for employees who can meet the demands of the 21st century job market, particularly high-growth, high-demand jobs. By program’s end, students will understand the skills, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math, that will make their futures brighter.
**JA BizTown is no longer part of the 5th grade curriculum at Jacob Wismer. However, it is available as a summer camp if your family is interested in pursuing this. It is available for 10 (or entering 5th grade)-14 year olds. It is a great experience!
How do I Participate?
Please contact Aishwarya Sreenivasan to get involved with the Junior Achievement program.