Volunteer

Volunteering with Junior Achievement

It's Challenging Because It Matters

Why do we volunteer? Because it’s easy? Because we want to add more to our already hectic lives?

We volunteer because it gives us something intangible yet invaluable - a sense of pride, purpose, and fulfillment. And, in the process, it changes lives.

By volunteering for Junior Achievement, you can make a difference today that will last long past tomorrow.

By sharing your professional experiences and JA’s proven lessons, you can help students make the connection between what they learn in school and life outside the classroom. You will help students realize the importance of education and training beyond high school, the need for responsible money management, and even the risks and rewards of starting a business. You have the chance to inspire the confidence and the capability they need to connect to future opportunities.

You can help them achieve academically today and economically tomorrow.

But it won’t always be easy. There will be work involved. Not every student will respond. But for those who do, it will be a life-changing experience.

And you will have made that happen.

Become a Volunteer Today

Are you ready to get started?

With JA offices across the country, we make it easy for you to find opportunities in your area. Enter a Zip Code to get started.

Ways to Volunteer Across the Nation

Junior Achievement In A Day - JA USA

This experience uses the same JA programs as the traditional method, but it's condensed into a single day for a high-impact experience! Perfect for the volunteer who can take just a day away from work.

Learn about
JA In A Day

JA Job Shadow - JAUSA

Students in our community come to you! You'll give them insight into your job and give them a tour of your company so they can have an opportunity to see how work gets done. It's a really great way to show them how products are made or services are promoted.

Learn about
Experience JA Job Shadow

Traditional In-Classroom JAUSA

A volunteer teaching students in a classroom

As a JA Traditional Volunteer, you'll be paired with a teacher in a classroom. This delivery method is an effective and popular way to show students a connection between the skills they are learning in the classroom and how they can get a more fulfilling career and life.

Learn about
Traditional In-Classroom

JA Finance Park and JA Biztown - Capstone

Students at a bank in a JA Finance Park or JA Biztown

You'll be in an actual simulated city! You'll help guide students through their assigned family scenario where they will visit many different businesses. They must purchase items to meet the needs of their family, such as insurance, clothing, transportation, housing, groceries, and childcare without spending more than they earn.

Learn about
JA Finance Park and JA Biztown

How it Works

TWO PATHS TO VOLUNTEER

JA partners with organizations that provide monetary support to help deliver JA programs and to develop other partnership efforts. These organizations also provide their employee base to be volunteers in the classroom to deliver JA programming.
OR
Individuals in our community can reach out directly to us to set-up a time to volunteer in the classroom.

CHOOSE YOUR SCHEDULE

Whichever way you get to JA, your JA Program Manager will coordinate schedules with you and a classroom teacher. They will also provide you with a short but effective training session and will make sure you are completely ready for your amazing experience!

A volunteer supervising an activity with students

DURING THE VISIT

Your commitment could vary from a single school day to a weekly visit of one hour each for five to 10 weeks. It all depends on the grade level of the program you choose. You can choose your classroom based on a number of factors. We're flexible

CONGRATULATIONS!

Students love the hands-on learning opportunities that JA programs provide. The JA volunteer is the critical component in the success of JA programs, and sharing their professional or personal experiences that align with JA program content helps students see how JA can help them achieve their dreams!

Beyond K-12 Learning Experiences

Become a JA Coach

Become a JA Workforce coach and work one-on-one with a young adult to build the skills and motivation needed to find employment or return to school.

Learn more about Becoming a JA Coach

Are you a JA Alumni?

We would love to see you again! We bet Junior Achievement made a difference in your life!
Get involved and learn how you can re-engage with us!

JA Gather Alumni Network

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it challenging interacting with the students?

You will most likely find that students are extremely excited to have you in the classroom, and are eager to hear about your life experience

What is the investment time for me as a JA Volunteer?

Typically, a JA program is taught for one hour a day for a total of five days. JA programs and volunteer trainings have been developed to be completely turn-key and hassle free for you. See how easy our programs are to use.

Does JA really have an impact on communities?

Yes, and in several different ways. Impact studies have shown the positive effect JA provides youth on their future outlook, and volunteerism has numerous proven benefits for adults in their personal life and attitude to organizations who provide this opportunity to them.