JA Finance Park
Junior Achievement (JA) immerses students in disruptive, real-world experiences, challenging their assumptions through mentor-led applied learning experiences coupled with an unmatched network of educators, volunteers and supporters. At JA Finance Park, students have the rare opportunity to experience their personal financial futures first-hand. The program begins with in-school teacher taught curriculum providing students with financial education to ensure success during the JA Finance Park simulation. During their visit to JA Finance Park, middle and high school students participate in an immersive simulation that enables them to develop skills to successfully navigate today’s complex economic environment and discover how decisions today can impact tomorrow.
I take my students to JA Finance Park because it’s a fun, immersive experience that gives my students the opportunity to practice crucial life skills like budgeting, thinking about savings, and planning investments in a supportive environment. The work my students do at JA Finance Park seems to “sink in” far better than any of the financial literacy lessons I’ve ever taught on my own in my classroom.”
JA also offers an online version of the program. Much like the hands-on version, JA Finance Park Virtual users adopt a fictional persona and make fiscal decisions based on a pre-determined life circumstance, all in a virtual environment.
– Hannah Drager
Not only does it provide high quality curriculum prior to the simulation experience that gives students key knowledge and skills to prepare them to make real financial decisions, but the experience at the park is invaluable! Students are supported to make real life decisions about personal finance and walk away more deeply versed in the types of decisions that will lead them to future success in their future college and career choices!”
JA Finance Park taught me the true value of money. I now understand how important it is to save early on and to be smart about budgeting if I don’t want to drown in debt. It was a fun day!”
– Ian Jentz KIPP Colorado Schools Teacher
MESA Middle School Teacher
– Bruce Randolph Middle
School Student
Relevance
Teachers see JA Finance Park as a “wake-up call” for students to the financial realities of adulthood, and students relished the opportunity to learn more about what their lives will be like once they are on their own. 99% of teachers who bring students to JA Finance Park would recommend the program to a colleague, friend, or family member
Reach
19,877
Students
91% of JA Finance Park volunteers indicate that they would like to volunteer for JA again “To help youth realize their potential” 95% of JA Finance Park volunteers would recommend Junior Achievement to a colleague, friend, or family member.
Impact
The JA Finance Park curriculum directly fulfills state-mandated economic, math, reading, writing and communications content standards, which also include 21st century skills and concepts.
26
School Districts
152
JA Finance Park is recognized by Harvard University’s Global Education Innovation Initiative as a program with innovative curriculum and pedagogical practices related to 21st century skills in financial literacy education.
1,434
JA Finance Park is offered at no cost to students or schools thanks to the support of volunteers and donors.
191
1445 Market Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202 303-534-5252 . JAColorado.org
Schools
Volunteers
Teachers
@JARockyMountain
/JARockyMountain