Hello. What can we help you with?

About Us

  • Who pays for Junior Achievement programs?
  • Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization that is supported by the generosity of the area community. We receive contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals and fundraising events.
  • What is "JA In A Day"?
  • "JA In A Day" is a one-day presentation of Junior Achievement's programs. "JA In A Day" offers the volunteer a great opportunity to get involved with Junior Achievement for one work day without juggling schedule conflicts or long-term commitments. At the end of the school day, the students will have completed lessons and will have earned a certificate. Normally, this process would take multiple weeks to complete.
  • What age groups does Junior Achievement target?
  • Junior Achievement has programs for all grades K – 12.
  • How many students are typically in a classroom?
  • On average, 23-30 students will be in a classroom.

Why Volunteer?

  • Why should I volunteer for Junior Achievement (JA)?
  • Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. We all benefit from students who grow up to be capable, educated citizens, active community members, responsible employees and future leaders.
  • What type of people volunteer with Junior Achievement?
  • Junior Achievement volunteers come from diverse backgrounds -- business people, parents, military personnel, retirees, networking groups and high school and college students. We are always seeking support from new companies and community organizations to collaborate with so we can reach more students!
  • I am studying to become a schoolteacher, what benefits would I receive from teaching a Junior Achievement class?
  • As a volunteer, you will get the opportunity to provide a service to schools you selected along with being able to use this as a door opened to meet School Administration for future job openings. The Junior Achievement program reinforces teaching standards and correlates with state teaching standards. You will also have the opportunity to get a glimpse of true classroom teaching.

Requirements

  • Do I need teaching skills or experience?
  • Nope! Junior Achievement will teach you everything you need to know to present our interactive hands-on activities. Junior Achievement provides easy to use materials and support to help you have a successful experience. Added benefits of volunteering include sharpening presentation skills and building strong leadership skills.
  • How much time do I need to commit to Junior Achievement?
  • One of the best aspects of being a Junior Achievement volunteer is the flexibility. The time commitment ranges anywhere from 5–12 classroom visits (depending on the program selected), the timeframes differ based on the grade level. We also have one day JA in a Day events that are available if you cannot fit the weekly time commitment into your schedule. Elementary School: Five 30-45 minute classroom presentations Middle School: Six 45-minute classroom presentations High School: Five to Eight 45-minute classroom presentations
  • Can I choose where I volunteer?
  • You can choose an opportunity based on proximity to home or work, specific interest in a grade level, or based on the content of a particular program. Junior Achievement staff will work hard to match you with an opportunity that works best for you.
  • Can I teach with a buddy?
  • Some volunteers feel more comfortable, especially for his/her first class, to teach with a friend. This is perfectly acceptable AND a great way to share even more knowledge and experiences with the class.

Preparing for Class

  • What happens once I sign up?
  • After you select a school and program that is convenient, Junior Achievement Staff will follow up with you to schedule your new volunteer training session. At the training, you will receive your program materials, teacher name and school location, as well as valuable teaching tips and strategies to engage students. You then contact your teacher and set up your visits. The Junior Achievement Staff will contact you throughout the experience to support you!
    Hear what others have to say about working with JA Staff:
  • What information do I need to get from the teacher?
  • You will want to schedule your class visits, get a school calendar, ask about the school's visitor policy, information about your class, teacher rules on class participation, and anything else you think would be helpful.
  • What if my assigned teacher does not return my calls?
  • Please call Junior Achievement immediately! We usually suggest you leave multiple messages for the teacher. You can also ask the school secretary for your teacher's e-mail address if the Junior Achievement Staff has not provided you with one. If you do not hear from your teacher by phone or e-mail within an acceptable length of time, Junior Achievement will call the school or volunteer to determine the situation.
  • How flexible are the class visits?
  • You and the teacher will work together to determine a class schedule that is beneficial for everyone. You will be able to discuss day of week, and in most cases (elementary school) time of day. You will also determine start date and end date.
  • What do I need to prepare for my class visit?
  • Junior Achievement will provide you with all of the materials necessary for each program. You will supplement the provided materials with your own knowledge and experiences. However, if you want to take in additional materials that you feel are relevant, feel free!
  • Any advice for volunteering in Elementary School level classes?
  • Yes! Watch Elementary Classroom Management Part 1:
    and Part 2:
  • Any advice for volunteering in Middle and High School level classes?
  • Yes! Watch Middle and High Classroom Management Part 1:
    and Part 2:

In the Classroom

  • Will I be alone in the classroom?
  • No. Junior Achievement is a teaching partnership. The teacher will remain in the classroom, providing classroom management, while you, the volunteer, presents each activity. The teacher might offer insight into the class and help if you need assistance.
  • Can I take treats into the classroom?
  • Yes you can, with the teacher's approval. You must always be careful of allergies.
  • What else can I expect?

Afterwards

  • What do I do with my leftover materials?
  • You can offer them to the teacher and students, or drop off unused materials at the Junior Achievement office to be reused.
  • Can I volunteer for more than one class?
  • Yes! You can teach as many programs as you like. Some volunteers teach multiple classes spread throughout the year.

About Us

  • Is there a cost to particpate in Junior Achievement programs?
  • Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization that is supported by the generosity of the area community. We receive contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals and fundraising events.
  • What is "JA In A Day"?
  • "JA In A Day" is a one-day presentation of Junior Achievement's programs. "JA In A Day" offers the volunteer a great opportunity to get involved with Junior Achievement for one work day without juggling schedule conflicts or long-term commitments. At the end of the school day, the students will have completed lessons and will have earned a certificate. Normally, this process would take multiple weeks to complete.
  • What age groups does Junior Achievement target?
  • Junior Achievement has programs for all grades K-12.

Why Invite JA Into Your Classroom?

  • Why should I invite JA into my classroom?
  • Junior Achievement programs correlate to the various national, state, and district educational standards.
  • What type of people volunteer with Junior Achievement?
  • Junior Achievement volunteers come from diverse backgrounds -- business people, parents, military personnel, retirees, networking groups and high school and college students. We are always seeking support from new companies and community organizations to collaborate with so we can reach more students!

Requirements

  • How much time do I need to commit to Junior Achievement?
  • One of the best aspects of having a Junior Achievement volunteer in your classroom is the flexibility. The time commit ranges anywhere from 5-12 classroom visits (depending on the program selected), the timeframes differ based on the grade level. We also have one day JA In A Day events that are available if you cannot fit the weekly time commitment into your schedule. Elementary School: Five 30-45 minute classroom presentations Middle School: Six 45-minute classroom presentations High School: Five to Eight 45-minute classroom presentations

Preparing for Class

  • What should I do if I am unable to login to the system?
  • Please try resetting your password. If that does not work then contact your local Junior Achievement office.
  • Why don't I see the "Volunteer" option when I'm already an "Educator" enrolled in a class?
  • Unfortunately, you will need to reach out to the Class Contact to sign up as a volunteer.
  • What should I do if I need to cancel my participation?
  • If you are unable to reschedule your Junior Achievement experience, please contact your local Junior Achievement office to notify your class contact. Junior Achievement will notify the volunteer for the class and help them find another class to participate in.
  • What happens once I sign up?
  • Your Junior Achievement class contact will work to find you a volunteer for your classroom. The volunteer will then show up of the predetermined day to present the Junior Achievement programs. Your class contact will stay in touch with you throughout the entire process to answer any questions.

In the Classroom

  • Will the volunteer be alone in the classroom?
  • No. Junior Achievement is a teaching partnership. You will need to remain in the classroom, providing classroom management, while the volunteer presents each activity.
  • Can the volunteer bring treats into the classroom?
  • Yes, as long as the volunteer has your approval.