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Opportunity Details
Teach Students How to Budget at JA Finance Park!
About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement (JA) is a non-profit that empowers K-12 students to own their economic success in adulthood. Our programs teach young people critical skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship so that they can connect what they learn in the classroom to the "real world."
What You Will Do
In JA Finance Park program, volunteers support a small group of middle/high school students as they complete a personal budgeting simulation on iPads. As students move through the “stations” of our realistic community, volunteers share about their own career journey and facilitate conversations around healthy personal financial habits. No finance background is required- JA provides training at the start of the session to ensure volunteers are prepared to make a difference!
Before You Volunteer
After expressing interest in this event, a JA staff member will reach out via email to schedule a 5 minute phone call to confirm your attendance. After that, volunteers will be sent a link to fill out our registration packet online, which includes JA USA's volunteer code of conduct agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the ideal volunteer for this opportunity?
- Salaried employees or business owners are preferred for this opportunity since they have enough experience to speak to students about career progression and advancement. Volunteers do not need to work in finance-related roles or have experience working with children! Anyone who has earned and spent a paycheck is qualified to support our students through the simulation.
- How does JA prepare me for my volunteer experience?
- When you arrive in the morning, you will be led through a 1-hour orientation by a JA staff member before students arrive. During this time, you will complete a "practice round" of the budgeting simulation on iPads so that you are familiar with the flow of the day and the app students are working within. You will also be provided with your own iPad that has a volunteer guide downloaded onto it. Throughout the day, dedicated JA staff members will be circulating to check in with you and provide any technical support as needed.
- If I can only stay for part of the day, can I still attend?
- Unfortunately we ask that volunteers remain on site for the duration of the program. Because each volunteer has their own small group of 5-7 students, leaving halfway through the program creates significant disruptions for participating students.
- Why do volunteers need to be at least 24 years old to participate?
- Many students that come through JA Finance Park are high school seniors who are about to graduate, take on education loans, and work their first jobs. We find that volunteers with an age gap have a greater depth of life experience to share with these students. Additionally, volunteers under the age of 24 may be viewed by students as peers instead of trusted advisors.
- Do I need to complete a background check to participate?
- Background checks are NOT required to participate since volunteers will be under the supervision of school and JA staff. Any individuals with a criminal history, including but not limited to abuse, neglect, domestic violence, sexual misconduct, or other crimes involving children may NOT participate under any circumstances. All volunteers are required to sign JA USA's code of conduct of conduct agreeing to uphold Junior Achievement's standards for safe behavior.
- How am I making a difference by volunteering?
- JA volunteers have the opportunity to share stories about their unique life experiences that can expand horizons for students. Many JA alumni reflect that their classroom volunteers from years ago exposed them to career paths that they never knew existed, or helped them feel more confident about their ability to accomplish their personal and professional goals. JA programs encourage students to think critically about how they can prepare for the financial and professional lifestyle they want to live after graduating.
- What should I wear?
- Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, as they will be up on their feet throughout the day. Either smart casual attire, or non-ripped jeans with collegiate apparel or a company t-shirt are recommended.
- What about lunch?
- We have a fridge, freezer, and microwave availble for our volunteers. You are welcome to have takeout orders delivered, but we ask that you stay on-site for the entirety of your volunteer shift.
Financial Empowerment
Students
Age Minimum (with Adult): 24+, Minimum Age:24+
Express Interest
Log in or Register
In order to register for this opportunity you must log in to an existing account or register to create a new account.
Sign up with a team
This link allows you to participate in this opportunity with a team. A team can be a family team, corporate team, or any kind of organized group. When you click on the link you will have the option to:
- Choose an existing team you're already a member or captain of, or
- Create a new team to sign up.
Signup Questions
Please respond to the following questions in order to signup for this opportunity:
