EMPOWERING STUDENT LIVES
JA BizTown® and JA Finance Park® : innovative, interactive and transformational
Junior Achievement has recognized the need for increased opportunities for youth to acquire and practice the skills they will need to be prepared for the future. In collaboration with business professionals, community leaders, and educators, Junior Achievement has addressed this need through JA BizTown and JA Finance Park—programs that create deeper impact for elementary, middle and high school students. In its inaugural year, 7,500 students across Wisconsin participated in a JA Capstone experience in which they combined practical applications with general principles learned in the classroom. JA BizTown Young people learn by doing and in JA BizTown, 5th and 6th grade students actively participate in learning opportunities regarding personal finance, work readiness and entrepreneurship; real rather than imagined experiences. Through classroom instruction and active, all-day participation in a simulated community, students create business plans, apply for business loans, and create marketing campaigns. Students run all aspects of a market-driven economy including: • • •
Determining the pricing of goods and services they sell Practicing responsible citizenship by voting and paying taxes Adjusting business strategies to achieve success
JA Finance Park JA Finance Park is an economics education program that introduces personal financial planning and career exploration. Middle and high school students learn basic components of a personal budget, explore investment options and practice how to prioritize spending. At the culmination of the program, students visit JA Finance Park to put into practice what they’ve learned about economic options and the principles of budgeting. Assisted by trained volunteers, students have the opportunity to actually develop and commit to a personal budget. JA Finance Park objectives are to: • • •
Help students think creatively, analyze tasks, and solve problems Encourage students to develop and demonstrate personal responsibility for learning and self-management Help students understand the value of money and make the connection between hard work, education, and their future earnings.
JA CAPSTONE PROGRAMS... CHANGING LIVES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME 93% of students said JA Finance Park has prepared them for their future. After participating in JA BizTown, 77% of students have a better idea of what they want to be when they grow up.