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s the oldest and largest financial educational organization in the world, Junior Achievement (JA) is uniquely positioned to deliver relevant economic education programs to young people. JA Alachua is the pre-eminent resource for entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce-readiness experiences for elementary and secondary students in our county.
JA is a volunteer-driven organization, with more than 500 local business professionals, parents, retirees and college students entering our schools to present JA programs. It is imperative to provide children with positive adult role models who illustrate ways to build self-confidence, develop skills, and bridge the gap between education and the business world. JA volunteers are trained by JA staff, and all interactive materials are provided.
It is critical that children be given the tools and skills in school to develop personal strategies to confront life’s economic obstacles in order for them to have a better opportunity to survive financially on their own strengths and talents. Teaching them how to make informed financial choices, learn workforce skills, and the basics of entrepreneurship, is paramount to the success of our local community and workforce, as financially literate students will grow up to be fiscally responsible and contributing citizens of Alachua County.
Programs are presented in various ways to accommodate the schools and volunteers’ needs. A traditional JA program is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, once a week for five weeks for elementary and middle school students; or seven weeks for high school students. JA also offers an optional “JA in a Day” where all lessons are presented in one school day.
The National Council on Economic Education states that personal financial management skills and lifelong monetary habits develop during childhood. Through JA programming, children will learn from local business volunteers, in a positive school environment, a hands-on approach to business and economics. Beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school together with successful volunteers, JA can build a foundation to prepare tomorrow’s employers, employees and consumers.
In the 2012-2013 school year, approximately 500 volunteers introduced more than 6,000 young people to financial literacy curriculum. For this upcoming school year, we look to aim higher and continue to inspire more students until we reach our goal of every child having the opportunity. We realize that none of this would be possible without our committed volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to motivate the next generation to dream big and reach their potential.
To learn more about how to get involved with Junior Achievement in Alachua County visit www.jaalachua.org or contact Diane Smith at (352)335-4559.
The following narrative is a testimony of the success of the JA Teen Teacher Program:
“Sir, yes sir!” could be heard loud and clear from across the compound, but it wasn’t a military unit but rather a “second-grade quad” at MK Rawlings Elementary School in Alachua. The voice was of little Jaheim, a second-grader, who learned that was the proper response from his Gainesville High School ROTC volunteer.
For the past six weeks, Gainesville High School ROTC students have participated in JA Success Skills, a six-week JA program where they learn through team-building exercises, problem-solving techniques and critical-thinking skills, as well as their ability to communicate, negotiate and lead. They also understand the importance of personal appearance, professional demeanor, punctuality and written and oral communication. After the mock job interviews, a few of the students asked if they could have a “do-over” because they would answer the questions better next time. Instead, their teacher, LCDR Bolling, took it one step further — they were going to become JA Volunteers!
On May 14, Gainesville High School ROTC students volunteered to present JA to students in kindergarten, first and second grades at M.K. Rawlings and Metcalfe elementary schools. They were very excited and nervous prior to entering the classroom, but once there, they took command and went through the lessons with confidence and smiles. One high school student said, “At first I was unsure of myself, but to my amazement they were very excited about having me there. They were actually learning from me!”
The elementary students looked with awe at the high school students in full dress uniform. When they brought out the fun JA activities, they were very excited and knew it was going to be a great day in school! Jaheim said, “I’m going to go to high school and look just like them when I get old.”
Comments from the high school focus group made this experience a highlight of the school year: “… this was great stuff … we should do this every week … it’s so important they get an education … why didn’t I have this when I was young? …. they have to know this so they can get a job … I absolutely loved every second of it and can’t wait to do it next year!
Perhaps the best comment was from Misa, a first-grader, who wrote a thank-you letter: Dear Armie (Army), I love you will you be my friend today?”
By Diane Smith, Executive Director, Junior Achievement of Alachua, Citrus & Marion County Photography Courtesy of Junior Achievement
