Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to equipping students in grades K-12 with the skills needed to effectively manage money, prepare for the workforce, and start businesses. Our experiential programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs that make our communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities. JA’s unique approach allows community volunteers to deliver our curriculum while sharing their experience and expertise with students. Our classroom volunteers transform the key concepts of JA’s lessons into a message that inspires and empowers students to believe in themselves, showing them they can make a difference in the world. JA programs align with state and national curriculum standards. Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South is our area’s local office, reaching students in Memphis and surrounding counties, Northern Mississippi and Eastern Arkansas.
You will be delivering programs created by professional curriculum development staff at JA USA. JA programs begin at the elementary school level, teaching children how they can impact the world around them as individuals, workers and consumers. JA programs continue through the middle grades and high school, focusing on the key content areas of financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship.
No prior training is needed to be a JA volunteer. You just need enthusiasm, good communication skills and a desire to make a difference. We’ll provide all the materials and training you need before you enter the classroom.
The volunteer orientation training takes approximately one hour and is available in-person or virtually.
No. All the lesson plans and activities for use in the classroom or in our JA experiential capstones are created for the volunteer and detailed in an easy-to-follow guidebook. We’ll also provide you with all of the materials necessary to teach the program or lesson.
The easy to use materials include a concise Consultant Guide with teaching scripts, activities and vocabulary words. We also have many volunteer resources available online.
No, the teacher will always remain in the classroom to assist with any issues that may arise. The volunteer presents each activity to the students; the teacher is present to provide classroom management, offer insight into the class and to help out if the volunteer needs assistance.
Your JA commitment could vary from a single school day to one-hour visits depending on the program you choose. You can choose your classroom based on the school level of children that you would enjoy engaging.
JA at a local school/classroom: It is best to allow at least a half hour to prepare for each 30-45 minute lesson. This is probably more time than you need, but each program is different and requires different preparation. As you become familiar with the program format and activities, it will take less time to prepare. Training for JA BizTown is one hour and takes place the morning of your volunteer experience.
We’ll match you with a grade level of your choice (kindergarten through 12th grade), or you can select your volunteer assignment based on a specific school or teacher.
Yes, if an opportunity is available. We make every effort to place you where you feel most comfortable. Sometimes there are more requests than openings. In that scenario, we’d ask that you volunteer in another school/classroom where there is a need until we can place you at the school that you prefer.
We are always looking for “ambassadors” to help us expand into more schools. If there is not a JA program in your child’s school, please contact JA to see how you can help.
JA offers after-school programs, but core programs are taught during school hours. The days/times for elementary school programs are agreed upon between the volunteer and teacher; for middle and high school programs the days/time may be predetermined.
Volunteering with JA not only helps to inspire and prepare local students, it can also strengthen your communication, self-confidence, coaching, leadership, presentation, facilitation and time management skills. Companies that encourage employees to volunteer with JA enhance their image by demonstrating their commitment to educating today’s youth and supporting the local community.
