Volunteer Information
A want versus a need. How to balance a checkbook. Don't you wish that someone had taught you those things as you were growing up?
Now there is someone. YOU. All we need is your enthusiasm, life experience, and a willingness to teach children about how you took chances and shot for the stars. Junior Achievement provides the training, curriculum, and a classroom ready to meet you.
Why Volunteer?
- Keep kids in school and help them achieve their dreams
- Experience those “ah-ha” moments when one of your students grasps a new concept
- Connect with your community, and learn about the challenges and successes local schools face
- Sharpen your presentation and coaching skills
- Represent your company and industry to students
Who Volunteers?
JA volunteers come from all walks of life. But they all have a common vision: sharing a message of hope and opportunity with each and every young person they reach.
Through volunteer partnerships from organizations large and small, or individuals interested in sharing their experiences with the children of their community, JA's classroom volunteers inspire, prepare, and empower. Volunteers need not have any prior teaching experience - just enthusiasm!
If you are already a JA volunteer, we thank you. It's your effort and selfless dedication that truly makes a difference. If you haven't yet had the opportunity, we hope you sign up today. The impact will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I receive any sort of training before entering the class?
Absolutely! JA volunteers receive training and support from the Junior Achievement staff. Training takes less than an hour. Volunteers are provided with a JA kit, designed by our national office, that include a teacher/volunteer guide that will walk you through every detail of each lesson and activity. If you'd like to know more about a particular program/grade level, visit our Programs page.
What if I have never worked with students before?
Don't worry! Many of our volunteers haven't been back in the classroom since graduating, and yet finish their lessons eager to teach JA again. All JA volunteers are provided with training by JA staff, and the classroom teacher will always be present to deal with any issues that may arise.
Do I need to create the lesson plans and activities?
All of the lesson plans and activities are provided in an easy-to-follow guidebook, and the program kit that you'll be provided includes all of the materials necessary to implement the programs.
How many students does a JA Volunteer teach?
The class sizes vary depending on the schools’ enrollment and can be as little as 10 students or as high as 30 students in one class.How do I become matched with a class?
When you complete a volunteer registration form, you'll have the opportunity to indicate your interest in teaching a particular grade level or teaching in a specific area. A JA staff member will then find available schools that match your criteria, contact you to confirm your availability, and then schedule a training session and provide you with the information and materials needed to start your class.
Can I teach with a buddy?
Yes, we encourage our JA Volunteers to teach with a friend. This makes the experience more enjoyable--the more, the merrier! Having a buddy volunteer is also great if you have a busy schedule; this helps ensure that someone is always available to go into the classroom if a last minute meeting pops up at work.
Interested?
Please check our Volunteer Opportunities page to become a JA volunteer!
