The information below is separated into 4 sections:

• General Questions
• Volunteer's Perspective
• Teacher's Perspective
• Request JA In Your Classroom

General

What is Junior Achievement?
Junior Achievement is the country’s oldest and largest provider of economic education for young people. Since 1919, Junior Achievement has been teaching students about business and economics through a partnership of business and education. The organization’s purpose is to inspire young people to succeed in a global economy.

How long has JA Worldwide been in Colorado Springs?
You will be able to view a detailed history of JA Worldwide here.

How does Junior Achievement work?
Junior Achievement facilitates a partnership between businesses and the schools. Schools provide access to the classroom, local businesses provide the volunteers and funding, and the Junior Achievement staff provides the training, materials, and the assistance to make the events happen successfully.

What are the programs Junior Achievement provides to schools?
• Elementary school programs include six sequential themes for kindergarten through fifth-grade students and two capstone experiences. Students learn the basic concepts of business and economics and how education is relevant to the workplace. The sequential activities build on studies from each preceding grade and prepare students for secondary school and lifelong learning.

• Middle grades programs build on concepts the students learned in Junior Achievement's elementary school program and help teens make difficult decisions about how to best prepare for their educational and professional future. The programs supplement standard social studies curricula and develop communication skills that are essential to success in the business world.

• Junior Achievement's high school programs help students make informed, intelligent decisions about their future, and fosters skills that will be highly useful in the business world. With a range of different programs, Junior Achievement teaches about concepts relating to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. The volunteers bring real-life business experience and guidance into the classroom at a time that represents an essential crossroads for young people.

How are Junior Achievement programs funded?
All programs are funded through contributions from local businesses, civic organizations, individuals, special events and grants.

Which local school districts use Junior Achievement?
Currently, Junior Achievement operates in 20 of New Jersey's 21 counties. View the list of school districts, or contact a JANJ Program Manager in North Jersey, Central Jersey, or South Jersey for more details.

Does JA charge schools for its programming?
No. JA programs are delivered free to schools. JANJ is funded by individual donors, corporate gifts, foundation grants, and special events. If you would like to learn more about our fundraising activities, please contact Dawn Schwartz for more information.

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Volunteer’s Perspective

What is my commitment if I decide to volunteer?
Volunteers must first complete a Volunteer Registration Form. After receiving the official assignment, the volunteer makes contact with the teacher to establish a mutually acceptable schedule. All new volunteers receive a brief orientation on the program materials. The volunteer will visit the same classroom for five to eight weeks, depending on the program, if implementing a traditional format. Each session is approximately 45 minutes. Both teacher and volunteer keep one another aware of potential scheduling conflicts. You are responsible for submitting a Volunteer Completion Form confirming the class was successfully completed.

How frequently do I have to visit the school?
Based on information received, the Program staff at JANJ will make a mutually acceptable match between volunteer and school or after-school. Once the match is made, the volunteer contacts the teacher to determine a convenient specific day and time for class sessions. Experience has shown that this step is best established between the teacher and volunteer. In a traditional format, you can visit a class weekly, bi-weekly, or bi-monthly.  Scheduling all five visits ahead of time allows the teacher and you to make adjustments to your schedule.

Do I have to prepare prior to visiting the school?
Yes, Junior Achievement will provide you with the necessary materials that you need for each session as well as an agenda. For new volunteers or upon request, the Junior Achievement staff provides a brief training on all program materials which usually lasts 1-1 ½ hours. It is recommended that you review the materials and prepare your lessons with your partner for at least an additional hour prior to your visit.You and the teacher can decide the best way to present the materials even though the structure is listed in the Volunteer Guides provided in the kits.

Does the teacher stay in the classroom?
Yes, the teacher stays in the classroom and monitors the kids.  In addition, if you need the teacher to assist you with the lesson, let the teacher know.

What happens if the teacher does not return my call to schedule the first visit?
You should try at least two times to contact the teacher. If the teacher does not return your call, please contact your local Junior Achievement Program Manager.

How do I handle a student that is misbehaving or disruptive?
The teacher will handle a student that is misbehaving.

Do I have to bring any supplies?
No, all the supplies will be provided by the Junior Achievement Program. However, if you want to bring additional supplies to prove a topic (ie. newspaper clippings, magazine articles, work spreadsheets, etc.), you can do that.

If I want to bring donuts, cookies, or candy, can I do that?
Be creative, but discuss ideas with the teacher in advance. Trinkets and company-branded items can be given as prizes for your kids.  Treat students with respect and recognize their participation. Consider bringing candy, stickers, or souvenirs from your workplace; a field trip or a pizza party at the end of the semester can sometimes be appropriate. However, you should ask the teacher if it is all right to bring snacks or food for the class.

Would I be able to pick the school and/or grade that I am interested in?
Our Junior Achievement Program Manager will try to place you with the school and/or grade of your choice.  However, there are no guarantees.

I would like to volunteer but I travel frequently or my schedule is hectic, is there still an opportunity for me to volunteer?
Yes, you can spilt the time with a colleague using a team-teaching approach. The goal of such an arrangement is to maintain consistency.You may also volunteer for a JA Day, a JA In-2-Days, after-school site, or host a Job Shadow program.

Is it possible for me to volunteer in my child’s classroom?
Yes, many parents like to take an active role in their children’s education by getting involved in their classroom experiences.

Will I have on-going assistance?
Junior Achievement staff maintain ongoing communication with the teachers and volunteers throughout the school year providing assistance where appropriate.

What is the appropriate dress code?
We recommend business attire consistent with the faculty dress code, but when in doubt about what to wear, ask the teacher.

What happens if I get sick the day I am supposed to visit the school?
Please notify the teacher that you are ill and reschedule your visit.If possible, please provide 24 hours advance notice if you need to cancel or change.

Does the class get measured on how much they learned?
Yes, the class is given a pre & post test provided in the kits. This would be a short exam the first day in a traditional format (or after the introduction for a JA Day) and this same test is administered at the last day (or after the last lesson for a JA Day).

What if I have never worked with students before?
No problem. We provide all the teaching materials and show you how to use them. We also give you helpful hints and ongoing support. Plus, the teacher is always there to help you.

What time of day would I be teaching?
Most classes run during the school day, 8:45a.m. - 3:00p.m. Many of our volunteers go in before work or use their lunch break to teach. Some volunteer opportunities exist in after-school settings or weekend programs outside of regular school hours.

What type of information should I request from the teacher or other school personnel?
Be sure to ask for a bell schedule, class roster, and a school calendar. Finally, be sure to ask about school policies and procedures governing visitors so that you can remain in compliance with these rules.

What if my schedule is always changing?
If you want to volunteer but have a varying schedule, it may be best to work with a partner. Pick a fellow colleague whom you enjoy spending time with. Team teaching will make it fun for you and your partner and he/she can always take over the class if you have a meeting.

What should I do if the teacher is absent?
The teacher may or may not want you to conduct a session with a substitute teacher. When you meet with your teacher for the first time, you should discuss how to deal with absences. It is good practice to contact the teacher the day before your visit to confirm that "all systems are go." If you arrive and there is a substitute, quickly give her/him an overview of the JA program, what your lesson for the day will cover and what you will require of her/him. Remind the substitute that she/he is to stay in the classroom because you are not certified by the state to be left alone with the students.

What happens after I finish my teaching commitment?
Many of our volunteers grow attached to their classes and want to stay involved. You may always choose to teach the same class another program, if the teacher allows it, or you may choose to try a different school. If you cannot continue after your initial class is finished, you may always teach the following semester.

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Teacher’s Perspective

Do Junior Achievement programs meet state standards?
All Junior Achievement programs with the NJ state curriculum standards. As teachers select a program in which to participate, a copy of the appropriate correlation is provided. In addition, all Junior Achievement programs are designed to support the skills and competencies identified by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. These programs also augment school-based, work-based, and connecting activities for communities with school-to-work initiatives.

How does a Junior Achievement program work in a typical classroom?
All Junior Achievement program kits are self-contained with all necessary materials for successful delivery of the activities. The volunteer prepares in advance, asking questions about the delivery procedure should concerns arise. The teacher meets in advance of the first class with the volunteer to provide insight into the class and students which will allow the volunteer to be more successful. The teacher remains in the classroom during the volunteer session to maintain control over any discipline issues.

How do I sign up to have Junior Achievement in my classroom?
Teachers complete a School Application (or After-School application) providing particulars on their needs. That form is also available from the Junior Achievement office. The Junior Achievement staff is available to make brief school-wide or department presentations.

Who are the volunteers?
Volunteers are members from the community who come from local businesses, community organizations, and even local colleges and high schools. JA volunteers are individuals who are competent, motivated, and able to educate students in diverse environments.

What is expected of the teacher?
The teacher’s role is critical to the success of the program. By remaining in the classroom during the visit, the teacher maintains control over all classroom management issues.

Are there additional resources available?
Junior Achievement maintains an online Student Center available for students’ extended use. For further information, contact the Junior Achievement office.

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Request JA In Your Classroom

Request Elementary School Program
The Elementary School Program includes seven sequential themes for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Students learn the basic concepts of business and economics, and more importantly, how education is relevant to the workplace. The activities build on studies from preceding grades and prepare students for secondary school and lifelong learning. Each program involves five lessons, and each lesson is approximately 45 minutes long when implementing JA in a traditional format.

Request Middle School Program
The Middle School Programs reinforce the value of education and teach students about the economic benefits of staying in school. Each program involves six to eight lessons, and each lesson is approximately 45 minutes long when implementing JA in a traditional format.

Request High School Program
The High School Programs help students make informed, intelligent decisions about their future, and also foster skills that will be useful in the business world. With a wide range of programs, JA teaches various concepts from microeconomics and macroeconomics to free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Each program involves six to eight lessons, and each lesson is approximately 45 minutes - 60 minutes long when implementing JA in a traditional format.

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