JA in the Classroom

Junior Achievement supports our schools and educators by providing valuable K-12 classroom resources - well-tested, hands-on programs taught by caring community & business volunteers. Our programs focus on basic concepts of economics and show how education is relevant to the workplace. The sequential activities foster lifelong learning and help students make informed, intelligent decisions about their future. With a range of different programs, JA teaches about concepts relating to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. Junior Achievement’s programs correlate to Common Core State Standards and Grade Level Expectations.

Our programs are designed to:

  • Bring learning to life through engaging, hands-on lessons that connect classroom concepts to the real world.

  • Build essential life skills in financial literacy, career readiness, entrepreneurship, and workforce preparation.

  • Develop future-ready skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

  • Connect students to careers by helping them explore career pathways, workplace expectations, and the skills needed for success.

  • Make learning relevant by giving students opportunities to apply what they are learning to real-world situations.

  • Inspire students to dream big and recognize the possibilities available to them in their education, careers, and communities.

  • Support educators with standards-aligned curriculum, digital resources, and easy-to-use lesson plans.

  • Reach every student with programs designed to engage diverse learners and provide meaningful learning experiences in the classroom.

    Whether your school is looking for a full semester course, supplemental lessons, simulations, or career readiness programming, Junior Achievement offers flexible solutions that fit your students’ needs

Request a JA Program

Elementary School Programs

Junior Achievement’s elementary school programs are the foundation of our K-12 curricula. Six sequential themes, each with five hands-on activities, work to change students’ lives. These programs can be facilitated by the classroom teacher, school staff or community volunteer. JA provides all the materials, training and resources the educators need.

Programs:

  • Kindergarten - JA Ourselves

  • 1st Grade - JA Our Families

  • 2nd Grade - JA Our Community

  • 3rd Grade - JA Our City

  • 4th Grade - JA Our Region

  • 3rd - 5th - JA More than Money

Program Length:
5 lessons, times range from 25 minutes to 40 minute lessons

Cost:
Free to schools who complete the required lessons

¡JA Our City, JA Our Community, y JA More than Money también estan disponible en Español!

Questions? Contact us!

Jennifer Arritola, Senior Director of In-Class Programs
jarritola@ja-pdx.org