Junior Achievement of Chattanooga is partnering with East Brainerd Elementary School this year. East Brainerd will host “JA in a Day” on Friday. “JA in a Day” is a way to provide every classroom/student in the school with the entire Junior Achievement program in one day.
A volunteer leads the lessons with the students (five hands-on activities) which are approximately 30-45 minutes each. Junior Achievement of Chattanooga is seeking classroom volunteers to help make the day a success for the students.
Research conducted by Junior Achievement and Survey Monkey shows that helping students link what they learn in school to life outside the classroom is one of the biggest concerns facing teachers. Junior Achievement recruits volunteers, primarily from the business community, to share their experience with students on subjects like managing money, career exploration and starting a business. In the process, students learn how volunteers used what they learned in school to become successful adults. The volunteers are supported by JA’s proven programs to create an experience that is beneficial for students and meaningful for volunteers, said officials.
“Our research shows that Junior Achievement alumni are more likely to finish high school and complete college because of their JA experience,” said Madyson Foster, program director for JA Chattanooga. “The same research also shows that one-in-five JA alumni end up working in the same field as their JA volunteer, so the volunteers have a tremendous impact on students.”
JA offers programs in grades K through 12. Volunteers are provided an orientation on how to deliver the programs. Program materials are hands-on, engaging and simple to use. Often visits can be arranged at a place of work, the JA Chattanooga office, and in some cases a volunteer may be able to participate at their own child’s school.
To learn more, visit jachatt.org.