JA Essential Skills for Work^™

JA Essential Skills for Work is an engaging and comprehensive learning experience that introduces teens to the workplace. As interns, they participate in realistic work experiences in multiple departments of a fictional company, Orbit Boom. The learning experience enables participants to learn and apply career skills through scenarios and a project. Participants apply active listening, critical thinking, and professional writing to complete capstone learning artifact that showcases their transferable skills in a real-world context. Upon completion, participants are eligible to earn JA’s Essential Work Skills Credential, which can be shared with employers or colleges.

Following participation in the learning experience, students will be able to:

-- Enables participants to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities related to essential work competencies including Creativity and Innovation, Critical and Analytical Thinking, Cultural Agility, Effective Collaboration, Engaging Communication, and Self-Direction
-- Students solve problems within a varied set of business environments ranging from Information Services and Logistics to Sales and Marketing
-- Includes a digital employee handbook with valuable information about corporate policies and practices
-- Provides opportunities to work on solutions to an array of business problems, brainstorm new product ideas, and work in collaboration with others
-- Effective Communication Strategies project allows for the deepening of communication skills
-- Supplemental resources and activities available to support career development and Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy

JA Learning Experiences 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.

JA Program Details

Grades:

High School

Sessions:

Related Program Supplements:

Implementation Options:

Classroom Based

JA Focus:

Financial Literacy Minimal Financial Literacy

Entrepreneurship Moderate Entrepreneurship

Work Readiness High Work Readiness

Alignment with Standards

Common Core Standards

For those states that follow common core standards, Junior Achievement's 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 state's 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

All Learning Experiences Grades K-5 Learning Experiences Grades 6-12 Learning Experiences High School Semester Courses Real Life Immersion Learning Experiences Young Adults 18-25 Learning Experiences

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 you've 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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