In-School Programs

Throughout JA's sequential and integrated kindergarten through grade 12 programs, students use information, apply basic skills, think critically, and solve complex problems. We pride ourselves in developing innovative programs to educate young people about business and economics and help prepare them for fulfilling careers.

Elementary School Program — Introducing Roles as Workers and Consumers

The Elementary School Program includes seven sequential themes for kindergarten through sixth grade. Through hands on activities, students learn the basics of business, economic concepts and how education is relevant to the workplace. Sequential activities build on lessons from each preceding grade and prepare students for secondary school and lifelong learning. Students also learn that people assume roles as individuals, consumers, and workers in an expanding cultural environment that extends from the self and family to global relations.

Middle School Programs — Preparing for the Workforce

Middle Grades Programs help teens make difficult decisions about how best to prepare for their educational and professional future, and develop communication skills that are essential to success in the work world. Students are introduced to economic concepts and useful facts about the working world. They learn about the stock market and role-play business ownership, including developing a business plan, and producing and marketing a product. They also assess their personal skills and interests, role-play job interviews, and explore careers.

High School Programs — Bringing Business to Life

High School Programs help students make informed decisions about their future and encourage the development of skills required in the work world. Volunteers bring real-life business experience and guidance into the classroom at a time when young adults face essential crossroads of their lives. Students learn about business operations as well as the structure and benefits of the U.S. free enterprise system. They can also compete with each other using an Internet-based business simulation or by organizing and operating an actual company.