Middle School.

Middle
School (6-8)

JA’s middle school programs are well-tested, hands-on, and offer flexible session lengths that can be adjusted to fit your classroom needs or offered during after-school programs and activities. In alignment with New Jersey State Learning Standards, JA programs expose students to diverse career pathways, real-world experiences, and the durable skills needed to succeed.

Presenters facilitate engaging learning activities focused on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. This approach enriches the learning experience and helps students connect what they learn in school and the world outside the classroom.

All programs are available at little to no cost to educators.

JA Career Speaker Series (Grades 6-8)

In JA Career Speaker Series, a volunteer guest speaker visits the classroom and shares information about his or her career, work, and education experience. The speaker may bring props, work samples, or other visuals to help engage students. Key Concepts: Durable skills – Resume building tips – Interview skills – Workplace communications skills – Career opportunities

JA Career Speaker Series Overview

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Two teachers stand at the front of a classroom presenting to students; a projector screen shows a blue Chanel logo. Teacher at a whiteboard points as students sit at desks and listen in a classroom.

JA Excellence Through Ethics (Grades 6-8)

JA Excellence Through Ethics is a teacher-led learning experience that helps students explore personal values, character development, and ethical decision-making. Through real-world scenarios and thoughtful discussion, students examine how their choices can impact themselves, others, and their communities. These experiences help students strengthen their decision-making skills, develop a greater sense of personal responsibility, and understand the importance of ethics in school, work, and life.

JA Excellence Through Ethics Overview

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JA Inspire (Grades 6-8)

JA Inspire helps students discover career pathways by connecting their skills and interests to future opportunities. The program begins with an interactive online curriculum and culminates in an in-person career expo hosted at participating colleges and universities. Students experience a guided campus tour, engage directly with professionals, and explore careers across a wide range of industries.

2026-2027 JA Inspire Dates

Friday, November 20, 2026: Rowan College of South Jersey – Cumberland Campus

Tuesday, February 26, 2027: Raritan Valley Community College

Monday, March 15, 2027: Atlantic Cape Community College – Cape May Campus

Wednesday, March 17, 2027: Rowan College of South Jersey – Gloucester Campus

Friday, April 9, 2027: Atlantic Cape Community College – Mays Landing Campus

(Additional JA Inspire dates may be added throughout the year. Please check back for new opportunities.)

JA Inspire Overview

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An older man in a navy shirt speaks to a group of students at an indoor event, gesturing with his hands. Instructor in a blue polo lecturing a group of students in a classroom with hospital beds and medical equipment along the wall behind them

JA It’s My Future (Grades 6-8)

JA It’s My Future offers students practical information to help prepare them for the working world. Students develop the personal branding and job-hunting skills needed to earn a job. During the program, students research potential careers, create a basic resume, recognize appropriate behavior for an interview, and differentiate between soft and technical skills. The program includes six 45-minute sessions. Learning Objectives: Brand, Personal Brand, Career Clusters, High-Growth Careers, Career Mapping, Soft Skills, Transferable Skills, Job Hunting, Job Applications, Professional References

JA It’s My Future Overview

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JA Finance Park – Entry Level (Grades 7 & 8)

JA Finance Park is Junior Achievement’s capstone program for personal financial planning and career exploration. The JA Finance Park experience begins with teacher-led curriculum, culminating in a visit to JA Finance Park where students participate in a reality-based decision-making simulation addressing aspects of individual and family budgeting, including housing, transportation, food, utilities, healthcare, philanthropy, and banking. Learning Objectives: Future Planning, Income, Taxes, Careers, Saving, Investment, Risk Management, Benefits, Opportunity Cost, Risk, Interest, Banking, Credit and Debit, Credit Score and Reports, Debt, Loans, Payment Methods, Identity Theft, Budgeting, Needs and Wants

JA Finance Park – Entry-Level Overview

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Group of students seated around a classroom table, facing the camera, with name tags and tablets on the table. People crowd a booth at a career fair; a man in a blue polo explains to attendees beside large 'Transportation' panels and blueprint-style displays on the wall.

Interested in a Middle School Program?

If you would like to request a middle school program, please complete the form below, and an education team member will be in touch.

Complete the Request Form

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