Junior Achievement’s middle school programs build on concepts students learned in JA elementary school programs and prepare teens to make difficult decisions about how to best prepare for their future. These programs supplement standard social studies curricula and help students develop communication and critical thinking skills essential for future educational and career success. All programs are offered at no cost to schools.
Experiential Programs
JA Finance Park, presented by Transamerica
JA Finance Park is Junior Achievement’s experiential program for personal financial planning and career exploration. At the culmination of this teacher-led program, students visit JA Finance Park, a realistic on-site or virtual community, to put into practice what they’ve learned by developing and committing to a personal budget.
“This experience is definitely unique for our students. They don’t experience anything like this any other time in the year. It’s a great experience for students and for teachers. I have fun every year when we bring our class here so I would highly recommend it.”
-Vince Spallino, Clyde Miller P-8 School Teacher
Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator (8th Grade Only)
The Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator is an interactive and responsive career exploration experience that inspires students to develop a plan to pursue a meaningful career and future. JA provides comprehensive learning resources for in-class lessons before and after students’ visit to the Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator.
“This experience is absolutely incredible. The benefit of coming here is you get to explore your options and you get to find who you are. By finding out who you are, you can make decisions on what you want to do in life. I would say it is a 10 out of 10 experience.” – Edgar Garcia, JA Student
Classroom Programs
JA Business Quest, presented by Amazon
JA Business Quest is a simulation-based program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of economics, business decision-making, market structures, and global trade while fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application skills. Students are equipped with foundational business concepts and empowered to navigate the complexities of the modern economy and become informed decision-makers in an increasingly interconnected world.
JA Start It Up
JA Start It Up immerses students in the world of business by challenging them to develop a proposal for a new flavor concept of Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn, targeted for a market of their peers. Students work together in teams to practice entrepreneurial thinking and experience the creativity, sense of accomplishment and excitement that comes with solving a real-world business challenge.
JA Economics for Success®
JA Economics for Success introduces students to initial work and career readiness concepts. Students explore career interests and opportunities. They learn about planning for a career, including the importance of self-awareness to guide choices, relevant post high school education to enable those choices, and sufficient income to pay for their wants and needs. Students recognize and develop transferable skills.
JA It’s My Future®
JA It’s My Future provides practical information about preparing for the working world while still in middle school. Following participation in the program, students will be able to explore potential careers and develop personal branding.
Key Concepts: Brand, Personal Brand, Career Clusters, High-Growth Careers, Career Mapping, Soft Skills, Transferable Skills, Job Hunting, Job Applications, Professional References
