Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.Our programs are FREE to educators, because they are funded by local businesses and individuals. JA Programs are designed to be taught in the classroom by business, parent, and other community volunteers. Classroom volunteers transform the key concepts of our lessons into a message that inspires and empowers students to believe in themselves, showing them they can make a difference in the world. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities. JA provides the training, materials, and support necessary to ensure a positive experience for volunteer, teacher, and student. Our materials include curricula for elementary, middle and high school students. Each program comes with lesson plans for both the JA Volunteer and the teacher which includes hands-on, interactive materials that are correlated with the Virginia SOL’s.

JA Programs help prepare students for the workforce by teaching people skills, strengthening verbal and written communication, promoting understanding of others, stressing the importance of education, providing positive role models, promoting positive attitudes, and showing children how day-to-day activities affect the economy. Companies that support JA Classrooms have a positive impact in encouraging students to stay in school and by giving back to the community to prepare these young people for the future. Volunteers enjoy the increased affirmation of personal and professional abilities, a chance to make an impact in the lives of children, great recognition from their companies, and the positive relationship they build with the community.