JA Finance Park^® (Entry Level)

This program is administered by JA of Middle Tennessee

Middle School

High School

Implementation:
Classroom Based
JA Capstone
Virtual

Pillars of Student Success

Financial Literacy High Financial Literacy

Work Readiness Moderate Work Readiness

Entrepreneurship Minimal Entrepreneurship

JA Finance Park is Junior Achievement's capstone program for personal financial planning and career exploration. This program, comprising a curriculum and a simulation, helps students build a foundation on which they can make intelligent financial decisions that last a lifetime, including decisions related to income, expenses, savings, and credit.
This educator-led classroom curriculum culminates with a visit to JA Finance Park, a realistic on-site or mobile facility, or virtually in the classroom, where students engage with volunteers and put into practice what they've learned by developing a personal budget.

Following participation in the program, students will be able to:

-- Identify personal interests, skills, work preferences, and values.
-- Identify career interests.
-- Evaluate the risks and benefits of saving and investing.
-- Evaluate risk and recognize insurance as a way to minimize it.
-- Define taxes, explain their purpose, and understand how they affect everyone.
-- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using credit and debit cards.
-- Explain who uses a budget and why.
-- Identify the components of a successful budget.
-- Create a successful budget using hypothetical life situations.

JA Finance Park (Entry Level) is a part of the JA Financial Literacy Pathway and JA Work and Career Readiness Pathway and is recommended for middle and high school students (grades 7-9). A minimum of 13 lessons is offered in a traditional classroom presentation format, and a project-based learning (PBL) format is available for high school delivery. Both traditional and PBL formats provide educators a method of delivery that best meets the needs of their students. JA Finance Park (Entry Level) culminates in a hands-on budgeting simulation that is implemented either at a JA Finance Park facility, mobile unit, or virtual site.

As part of this program, JA teachers and volunteers are encouraged to use the resources available in JA Connect® Learning Pathways, located at https connect.ja.org. This self-guided experience includes interactives, JA Here to Career, and games and apps for student use.

JA programs support national and state standards in reading, mathematics, social studies, and work and career readiness. See below for more information on alignment with national and state standards.

Program Resources

Related Program Supplements

Sponsor

Junior Achievement USA gratefully acknowledges the KPMG Foundation's commitment to the development of the Entry-Level and Advanced versions of the JA Finance Park curriculum and onsite simulations.

Alignment with State and National Standards

Common Core Standards

For those states that follow common core standards, Junior Achievements curricula have been reviewed for alignment with these standards! Learn more by selecting the appropriate grade level below.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

National Standards

While educational standards are determined primarily at the state level, many national standards serve as guidelines for the development of these state standards. See how Junior Achievement curricula align with the national standards listed below.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

State Standards

Junior Achievement curricula are created to align with state standards. To see how our programs align with your states standards, explore the options below.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

Scope and Sequence

Junior Achievement learning experiences cover financial literacy, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Our extensive scope and sequence helps explain how our programs cover these subjects at various grade levels.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

Request a Presenter to Teach Curriculum

A Junior Achievement Volunteer teaches students

Junior Achievement lessons are delivered by volunteers from the community. These presenters are prepared by JA to facilitate engaging learning activities that focus on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. This results in an enriched learning experience that helps students make the connection between what they learn in school and the world outside the classroom.

Steps to Request a Presenter

1) Request Info

Once youve decided to have a JA volunteer in your classroom, fill out the form on this website. You will receive information on next steps.

2) Pick Schedule

You will be able to coordinate a schedule that works for your class either online or in conjunction with a JA representative.

3) Meet Presenter

Once a volunteer is identified for your class, JA will connect you with the presenter to discuss roles, expectations, and logistics.

4) Empower Students with Standards-Based Education

After all details are in place, the JA volunteer will deliver lessons to your students either virtually or in-person.

Request Information about this Learning Experience

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