Get Involved - Corporate Volunteerism - FAQ and Experiences
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General
What is Junior Achievement?Junior Achievement is the country’s oldest and largest provider of economic education for young people. Since 1919, Junior Achievement has been teaching students about business and economics through a partnership of business and education. The organization’s purpose is to inspire young people to succeed in a global economy. Click here to learn more
How does Junior Achievement work?
Junior Achievement facilitates a partnership between businesses and the schools. Schools provide access to the classroom, local businesses provide the volunteers and funding, and the Junior Achievement staff provides the training, materials, and the assistance to make the events happen successfully. Click here to learn more
What programs does Junior Achievement provide to schools?
At Junior Achievement, we give young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA elementary school programs, middle school programs, and high school programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied to the real world.
- Elementary school programs include six sequential themes for kindergarten through fifth-grade students and two capstone experiences. Students learn the basic concepts of business and economics and how education is relevant to the workplace. The sequential activities build on studies from each preceding grade and prepare students for secondary school and lifelong learning.
- Middle grades programs build on concepts the students learned in Junior Achievement's elementary school program and help teens make difficult decisions about how to best prepare for their educational and professional future. The programs supplement standard social studies curricula and develop communication skills that are essential to success in the business world.
- Junior Achievement's high school programs help students make informed, intelligent decisions about their future, and fosters skills that will be highly useful in the business world. With a range of different programs, Junior Achievement teaches about concepts relating to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. The volunteers bring real-life business experience and guidance into the classroom at a time that represents an essential crossroads for young people.
How are Junior Achievement programs funded?
All programs are funded through contributions from local businesses, civic organizations, individuals, special events and grants. JA’s programs are provided at no cost to schools.
Which local school districts use Junior Achievement?
Currently, Junior Achievement operates in 20 of New Jersey's 21 counties. View the list of school districts, or contact a JANJ Program Manager in North Jersey, Central Jersey, or South Jersey for more details.
Volunteers
I would like to volunteer but I travel frequently or my schedule is hectic, is there still an opportunity for me to volunteer?Yes, you can split the time with a colleague using a team-teaching approach. The goal of such an arrangement is to maintain consistency. One day volunteer projects are available.
What is my commitment if I decide to volunteer?
Your volunteer commitment varies, pending the program you are participating in…
All new volunteers receive a brief orientation on the program materials.
- JA Day (one day event): Once you have registered with an internal coordinator, a JA representative will visit your offices and hold a one hour training session. You will receive your program materials which should be reviewed prior to visiting the school program that will take place from 8:30am – 1:30pm in one school day.
- Traditional Program (weekly visits): Once you have completed your Volunteer Registration Form, you will be put into contact with a teacher to establish a visit schedule to the classroom for five to eight weeks, depending on your program. Each session is approximately 45 minutes.
Volunteer Registration Form
How do I prepare prior to visiting the school?
Junior Achievement will provide the necessary materials needed for each session as well as an agenda. For new volunteers or upon request, JA staff will provide a brief training on all program materials (usually lasts about 1 hour). It is recommended that you review the materials and prepare your lessons for at least an additional hour prior to your visit.
Does the teacher stay in the classroom?
Yes, the teacher stays in the classroom and monitors the kids. In addition, if you need the teacher to assist you with the lesson, let the teacher know.
What happens if the teacher does not return my call to schedule the first of my weekly visits?
Contact your JA representative and your JA representative will coordinate with the school administrator and/or teacher to establish a schedule with visits to the classrooms.
How do I handle a student that is misbehaving or disruptive?
The teacher will handle a student that is misbehaving.
Do I have to bring any supplies?
In most cases no, however per your curriculum and in some cases additional supplies are suggested (ie. Newspaper clippings, magazine articles, etc).
If I want to bring donuts, cookies, or candy, can I do that?
No food can be brought into classrooms. Trinkets and company-branded items can be given as prizes for your students.
Would I be able to pick the school and/or grade that I am interested in?
Our Junior Achievement Program Manager will try to place you with the school and/or grade of your choice. However, there are no guarantees
Is it possible for me to volunteer in my child’s classroom?
Yes, many parents like to take an active role in their children’s education by getting involved in their classroom experiences.
Will I have on-going assistance?
Junior Achievement staff maintain ongoing communication with the teachers and volunteers throughout the school year providing assistance when appropriate.
What is the appropriate dress code?
We recommend business attire consistent with the faculty dress code, but when in doubt about what to wear, ask the teacher or your company coordinator.
What happens if I get sick the day I am supposed to visit the school?
Please notify your company coordinator or the teacher that you are ill and reschedule your visit. If possible, please provide 24 hours advance notice if you need to cancel or change.
Does the class get measured on how much they learned?
Evaluations are performed locally and nationally.
What if I have never worked with students before?
No problem. We provide all the teaching materials and show you how to use them. We also give you helpful hints and ongoing support. Plus, the teacher is always there to help you.
What type of information should I request from the teacher or other school personnel?
When scheduling your first weekly visit, we recommend asking for the class schedule, roster, calendar, and visitor policies.
What should I do if the teacher is absent?
The teacher may or may not want you to conduct a session with a substitute teacher. When you meet with your teacher for the first time, you should discuss how to deal with absences.
What happens after I finish my teaching commitment?
Many of our volunteers grow attached to their classes and want to stay involved. You may always choose to teach the same class another program, if the teacher allows it, or you may choose to try a different school. If you cannot continue after your initial class is finished, you may always teach the following semester.
Volunteers are responsible for submitting a Volunteer Completion Form confirming the program was successfully completed. We hope you return to volunteer again (and we encourage you to stay involved with the same class)!
Educators
Do Junior Achievement programs meet state standards?
All Junior Achievement programs meet the NJ state curriculum standards. As teachers select a program in which to participate, a copy of the appropriate correlation is provided. In addition, all Junior Achievement programs are designed to support the skills and competencies identified by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. For information on Junior Achievement correlating with the 9.2 Financial Literacy Standard please click here.
What type of programs are available for my classroom?
Elementary School Programs
Middle Grades
High School
How does a Junior Achievement program work?
All Junior Achievement program kits are self-contained with the necessary materials for successful delivery of the activities. The volunteer will prepare in advance. The teacher will meet before the first class with the volunteer or a JA staff member to provide insight into the class and students. This will allow the volunteer to be more successful. The teacher will remain in the classroom during the volunteer session to maintain control over any discipline issues. The number of classroom visits is determined according to what program is being provided.
How do I sign up to have Junior Achievement in my classroom?
Click here to sign up and a JA staff member will be in contact soon.
Who are the volunteers?
Volunteers are members from the community who come from local businesses, community organizations, and even local colleges and high schools. JA volunteers are individuals who are competent, motivated, and able to educate students in diverse environments.
What is expected of the teacher?
The teacher’s role is critical to the success of the program, and there are varying expectations based on JA programs. By remaining in the classroom during a JA volunteer visit, the teacher maintains control over all classroom management issues.
Are additional resources available?
Junior Achievement maintains an online Student Center available for students extended use. For further information, contact the Junior Achievement office.
Request JA In Your Classroom
Request Elementary School ProgramThe Elementary School Program includes seven sequential themes for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Students learn the basic concepts of business and economics, and more importantly, how education is relevant to the workplace. The activities build on studies from preceding grades and prepare students for secondary school and lifelong learning. Each program involves five lessons, and each lesson is approximately 45 minutes long when implementing JA in a traditional format.
Request Middle School Program
The Middle School Programs reinforce the value of education and teach students about the economic benefits of staying in school. Each program involves six to eight lessons, and each lesson is approximately 45 minutes long when implementing JA in a traditional format.
Request High School Program
The High School Programs help students make informed, intelligent decisions about their future, and also foster skills that will be useful in the business world. With a wide range of programs, JA teaches various concepts from microeconomics and macroeconomics to free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Each program involves six to eight lessons, and each lesson is approximately 45 minutes - 60 minutes long when implementing JA in a traditional format.