JA New York High School Heroes
JA High School Heroes is funded with the generous support of Assurant.
The Junior Achievement of New York High School Heroes program provides high school students the opportunity to become role models by teaching and inspiring elementary students. Click here to read about the High School Heroes Essay Contest.
High School Heroes work in teams of 2-3 and spend a school day in a local classroom. As teachers for the day, they'll teach a series of 5 or 6 fun and interactive lessons to an elementary school classroom.
When and where?
We partner with high schools throughout NYC, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Most High School Hero volunteer events are held at an elementary school close to the Heroes' high school. The program takes place during regular school hours (8:30am-2pm) with standard lunch breaks.
What do Heroes teach?
JA programs focus on one or more of our "three pillars" of student success: financial literacy, college and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Each JA elementary program lesson is activity-based, reinforcing important financial literacy concepts through hands-on learning.
How are student volunteers prepped?
All High School Heroes are required to attend two 45 minute training sessions provided by JA staff at your school. During the training, they receive their teaching kits, learn how to prepare the lessons, and practice effective classroom management skills.
-
Be a role model for younger students while strengthening and practicing leadership and teamwork skills
-
Heroes can earn community service hours for graduation
-
Heroes build public speaking and presentation skills. (link to evaluation results)
-
Heroes can learn what it's like to be a teacher and gain valuable work-related experience
-
Great resume builder and community service project to highlight on college applications
- Opportunity to apply for a scholarship essay competition
1st Place: Lauren Weisberg
Port Richmond High School
We were giving young students information on how money works within a city and the importance of being economically wise, lessons that the majority of high schoolers hadn't received when they were in their pupil's seats. That is one of the major reasons why I continuously participate in High School Heroes events. Click here to read Lauren's essay.
2nd Place: Michael Poma
Hauppauge High School
My most memorable experience would be when I had the opportunity to meet and discuss my future plans with New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick. Click here to read Michael's essay.
3rd Place: Teodora Dragic
Brooklyn Technical High School
So why should you do Junior Achievement? You do it for the experience of engaging with our youth, you do it to make a child's day, and you do it to learn how hard your teachers work for you. Click here to read Teodora's essay.
Educators: To get your high school students involved, please click here to learn more about how we partner with schools and complete our School Application form for consideration.
Pillars of Student Success | Entrepreneurship: | Financial-Literacy: | Work-Readiness: |
---|
Program Implementation | Program Grade-Level |
---|---|
Classroom-Based | High School |
Program Concepts | Program Skills |
---|---|
Communication, Critical thinking, Education and training, Soft skills | Active listening, Applying information, Collaborative discussions, Communication, Critical thinking, Decision making, Following written instructions, Formulating answers from personal experiences, Goal-setting, Interpersonal communication, Interpersonal skills, Organizing information, Planning, Prioritizing, Problem solving, Reading, Role-playing, Self-assessment, Taking responsibility, Time management, Work collaboratively, Working in groups |
Program Sessions
Training
High School Heroes must complete two training sessions at the school to become familiarized with their teaching kits, learn how to prepare the lessons, and practice effective classroom management skills.
Event
Post-Event
Students are eligible to enter an essay contest about their experience as a High School Hero. They can also continue to build on their JA experience through other programs such as Finance Park, Job Shadow, and more.