Program areas at Junior Achievement of Northern California
Junior Achievement's high school programs are economic and business curricula for students in grades 9-12 and include a student-led enterprise. The dynamic interaction between the volunteers and students promotes active learning and brings theory to life. High school programs emphasize leadership, problem solving skills, interpersonal effectiveness, personal finance and economics, with lessons built around skills needed to increase work readiness.
Junior Achievement's elementary school programs are the foundation of its' k-12 curricula. Six sequential themes, each with five hands-on activities, introduce students to basic mathematical and economic concepts as they learn the difference between needs and wants and how to save for them. They see how families, community members, and businesses make up an interconnected economy.
The middle grade program teaches 6-8 grade students the importance of economics and the role of business. Students participate in hands-on exercises that encourage future career considerations and emphasize the importance of a sound education. The programs supplement standard social studies curricula, develop business world knowledge and complements school district school-to-career objectives.
In 2021-22, ja served over 48,000 youth from kindergarten through age 25. We partnered with 244 schools, 267 corporate partners and 929 volunteers to deliver programs in 24 Northern California counties. Our volunteers come from all walks of life - business experts, college students, parents, and retirees. These dedicated individuals serve as job shadow hosts, classroom volunteers, virtual speakers, and ja capstone program mentors. Our impacts:84% of participants said ja positively influenced their decision to pursue higher ed; even higher among black and latino alumni. While 64% of average americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck, this number drops to 46% among ja alumni!40% of average americans ages 18-34 are saving for retirement. This number increases to 68% among ja alumni.