JA BizTown & JA Finance Park

by Junior Achievement North
JA BizTown & JA Finance Park

Project Report | Aug 12, 2024
JA BizTown & JA Finance Park

By Simon Menase | Relationship Manager

Funding received in spring 2024 will be applied to our 2024-2025 program year, with the majority of our programming beginning after September. Currently we are planning for Fall programming and coordinating with partner schools to determine school visit dates. We would be happy to provide updates on 2024-2025 programs after they’ve started in the fall.

In our most recent program year, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park saw significant positive results. During the 2023-2024 program year, JA North served 35,100 students through JA BizTown and JA Finance Park through both in-person and virtual versions of the programs. With the support of partners like you, we ensure that students have an immersive learning experience and learn the skills needed to be successful in school and life.

As a result of completing JA BizTown, students displayed the following: (1) Greater confidence in how to earn, spend, and save money. (2) Increased likelihood of using their money to help others. (3) Stronger understanding of the role business plays in the community. (4) 9 out of 10 students are more aware of the career options in their community. (5) 91% understand the skills needed to be successful in their future job.

As a result of completing JA Finance Park, students displayed the following: (1) 67% of students understand how to manage money. (2) 64% of students made the connection between real life and the classroom. (3) 61% of students found new ways of making decisions.

Volunteers and teachers who supported Capstone programs during the 2023-2024 program year had the following to say about their experience:

"One of the topics that was most shocking to the students was the cost of groceries. I was able to share my own experience with the students as I continue to manage my budget while keeping an eye on rising inflation. It really taught them to think deeply about the financial responsibilities of being an adult." – Sarah, JA Finance Park volunteer

"At one point, I could tell that one of my students was feeling discouraged. She felt that the budget she created was stretching her too thin. I had to step in and provide encouragement at that point. However, this interaction goes to show how real this program feels for students."- Casey, JA Finance Park volunteer

"The JA Finance Park program introduces students to hands-on learning that allows them to apply financial concepts in a non-threatening way. Because the simulation occurs outside of the school building, students are able to better identify with the concepts." – Andy, Middle School Teacher

"The materials provided to educators are extremely helpful for first-time financial literacy teachers. Its adaptability allows educators to include additional information/examples to help students make connections." – Eric, Middle School Teacher

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Organization Information

Junior Achievement North

Location: St. Paul, MN - USA
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Project Leader:
Leigha Casper
St. Paul , MN United States

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