JA BizTown and JA Finance Park | Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis

The Donald O. Schnuck JA BizTown is a mini-city in which kids discover how the "real world" works.  Each day, about 100 fourth - sixth graders become JA BizTown "citizens" where they work in one of 17 businesses, make financial decisions, pay taxes, and donate to charity. After twelve classroom lessons, students come to JA BizTown for the learning experience of their lives!  Each citizen has a job for the day, gets paid twice, opens a savings account, shops, may get fitness check-ups or interviewed on TV, and much more.  The time spent at JA BizTown may be only one day, but the impact that this experiential learning provides will last a lifetime! 

 

Via in-classroom or remote learning, the JA BizTown curriculum provides educators with lessons and resources to effectively integrate financial literacy and work and career readiness into the classroom.

 

Click on one of the links below for more information.

JA BizTown Adventures is a fully online, self-guided learning experience for students that follows the JA BizTown curriculum.  Fourth–sixth grade students gain an understanding of various aspects of running a business as they take on the roles of chief executive officer, chief financial officer, marketing director, sales manager, and consumer via five online, self-guided adventures.

 

Using a branching, story-driven treatment, each adventure provides students an opportunity to practice problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and analytical thinking, as well as weigh saving and spending choices, consider risk management and insurance strategies, and make personal and business-related financial decisions. 

 

JA BizTown Adventures provides a meaningful learning opportunity that does not replace nor take away from the traditional in-person simulation. The adventures support the JA BizTown curriculum and enhance student learning.  They can be used as an alternative simulation experience when or if students are unable to visit an onsite location.  In addition, the adventures may be explored before or after the on-site simulation, enhancing the overall learning experience. Click here to see what the New JA Biztown Adventures is like.

JA Finance Park gives 7th - 12th grade students the rare opportunity to experience their personal financial futures first-hand. Upon entering the center, students receive family and income scenarios and identify lifestyle goals.  They also explore and learn about different budget categories, create a budget, make purchasing decisions, and pay for their expenses. In this tablet-based program, students assume a persona of a provider for a family and must accommodate the needs of the family without overspending. 

 

JA STEM 360° presented by Bayer is a new addition to Junior Achievement that was created and designed in St. Louis. The objective is for students to understand that STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, and math) are necessary for most jobs. Middle and high school students engage in an interactive simulation that shows how STEM careers play an important role in getting pizza from "Farm to Front Door." Students learn there are over 15,000 jobs involved and they get to explore parts of the supply chain which includes farming, logistics, marketing/sales, restaurant, kitchen, and  delivery. Modern technology, friendly competition and education on STEM careers collide in this unique, high-tech experience. 

Bringing Education to Life by way of in-classroom or remote learning, the experience begins with JA-provided curriculum that culminates with a day at JA Finance Park. The center is designed as an interactive marketplace representative of the local business community, including financial services,education, insurance, entertainment, communications, utilities, and more.  

 

 

 

JA Finance Park Virtual

 

Personal Financial Planning.  Career Exploration.  JA Finance Park helps students build a foundation upon which they can make intelligent financial decisions that last a lifetime, including decisions related to income, expenses, savings, and credit.

 

The program comprises several teacher-led, in-class or virtual lessons and a variety of optional, extension activities.  In addition, there is a student self- guided and blended model offered.  Options are available to use either the entry level or advanced curriculum, based on grade level and students' prior knowledge. The experience culminates in a hands-on, online budgeting simulation. Now, everyone can access their own financial adventure. 

The JA Finance Park Virtual simulation has been fully redeveloped, with a brand-new experience that offers two implementation options: Entry Level (geared toward middle school) and Advanced Level (geared toward high school).  This fully immersive experience is designed to engage students as they delve deeper into the financial consequences of life choices and decisions impacting their long-term goals.

 

For more information, please contact:

JA BizTown or JA Finance Park: Email Joy Germeroth  or call (636) 728-0707 ext 237