Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

Ja volunteers deliver the ja curriculum that teaches them about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work and career readiness. They teach the curriculum utilizing easy to follow lessons and activities, while bringing their personal experiences in business. Volunteers are provided with comprehensive training all-inclusive materials, are asked to commit just one hour per week for 5-7 weeks to teach a class. They inspire students of various ages and backgrounds to set high goals and achieve personal success. Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida provides young people with the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for the future, and make smart academic and financial choices. During the 2022-2023 school year, over 100 corporate and community volunteers delivered relevant and hands on curriculum to 12,259 students in first grade through high school - knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Providing more than 160,685 hours in curriculum/teaching. On average students receive 13.5 hours of education. Junior Achievement programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school. Students participating in ja programs have a greater comprehension of economics and business than their non-participating peers. Ja helps prepare students to develop successful financial management habits, empowers them to explore the potential of becoming entrepreneurs, and provides them with the skills necessary to succeed in a global workforce. Ja volunteers make school relevant and engaging so our youth are more likely to become contributing, successful community leaders. Educators invite Junior Achievement into their classrooms because the ja curriculum fills the gaps needed and supports teachers by providing an exciting learning environment. These unique experiences give the students real-world experience and perspective. Ja educational curriculums are consistently updated to align with Florida state standards and stay current with industry changes.