In today's economy, our children need certain tools and knowledge to succeed. Unfortunately, such economic education is often overlooked, leaving students at a disadvantage as they strive to compete in a global market. This project will bring JA Economics for Success to an 8th grade class of 22 students where they will be inspired to explore their entrepreneurial goals and reach their full potential.
Educators are often forced to make choices over what we teach our children. Due to resource constraints, certain areas of education are sometimes deemed less valuable and therefore cut from curriculum. In order to compete in today's economy, children must understand our financial system and the role they play in it. By eliminating such education, we are risking their future success and ability to pursue entrepreneurial goals.
Junior Achievement's third-party evaluated programs directly address this lack of economic education. JA teaches students the basics of our financial system, the role they play, and the possibilities it offers. By making economic education a priority, JA demonstrates the value of financial literacy and the power of work readiness and entrepreneurial thinking. Our programs serve as the source of information and inspiration that young people need to succeed both personally and professionally.
It's been proven that students who receive JA six times during their school career are 90% more likely to graduate from high school. The goal of our project will be for youth to develop attitudes aligned with high school graduation and 21st century skills that prepare them for success. In addition, JA programs improve student academic performance and achievement leading to increased graduation rates.