JA bizTown Program Details
The JA BizTown curriculum takes a cross-curricular approach to teach students economics, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Through five units composed of 13 lessons, students learn about communities, the economy, free enterprise, taxes, and philanthropy. They delve into personal finances: how to write a check, make a deposit, use a debit card, and the effects of interest. They explore work skills, teamwork, and job applications. Finally, in preparation for their visit to JA BizTown, students explore business management, including costs, pricing, advertising, and ethics.
Correlations to Common Core and state standards are also available.
For questions or more information, email Faith Johnson or call 615-627-1205.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
JA BizTown is an engaging, rewarding experience for your students, teachers, and volunteers.
Students:
- engage in hands-on learning and real-life application of social studies, language arts, and math lessons
- have a first-hand experience in economics that will help them understand our free enterprise system
- actively participate in real-time critical thinking and problem solving
- build confidence and self-esteem
Teachers:
- a curriculum that correlates to CCSS and state standards
- easy to use materials with pre-planned lessons and continual support from JA staff
- ways to engage non-traditional learners through experiential and collaborative learning
- a clear demonstration of how classroom lessons connect to students' future success
Volunteers:
- opportunity to participate in fun, active learning with children
- a chance to share their own career experience to help guide students through decisions
- be a mentor to students as they learn about responsibility, money management, teamwork, and good citizenship
WHAT'S REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE
Students in the 4th, 5th or 6th grades are invited to participate. To sign your school up, download a JA BizTown application and submit it to JA. Forms can be faxed to 615.627.1214 or emailed to Rachel Dyer.
JA BizTown can accommodate school groups of all types and sizes, whether public, private or home-schooled. A minimum of 70 students is needed to run the simulation, so for smaller schools, we offer a Grade Combo option. Schools can bring any combination of students in 4th through 6th grade. You can also choose to share your visit day with other school groups to reach the minimum number of students. Unfortunately, the structure of the curriculum does not lend itself to individual participation. If you are a home-school teacher and would like your child(ren) to participate, they must be part of a tutorial or co-op group of at least 12 (preferably at least 15) students.
While it costs Junior Achievement $60 per child to operate the program, community support and sponsorships allow JA to offer this exciting experience for just $20 per student. JA will provide your school with all necessary classroom instructional materials for students and teachers, as well as training for teachers and volunteers.
Scholarship applications for discounted fees are available upon request. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first come-first serve basis.
