JA Finance Park - High School

JA Finance Park® is an innovation in education designed to prepare youth for success in the adult world. Students will learn what’s possible for their future if they take control of their financial decisions. This program helps students build a foundation upon which they can make intelligent lifelong financial decisions, including those related to income, expenses, savings, and credit.

This learning experience combines in-class learning from the educator with JA curriculum and a field trip to work with volunteers from the community at JA Finance Park held at a host location.

The volunteer role at JA Finance Park is critical in guiding students through an interactive simulation that teaches personal financial management and decision-making. The experience is designed for middle and high school students, giving them an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom about budgeting, saving, investing, and spending in a practical and engaging setting. Here's what volunteers do:

1. Orientation and Preparation 

• Training Session: Participate in a brief orientation on the day of the event to understand the structure and goals of the program.

• Familiarizing with Materials: Review the volunteer guide and materials provided by Junior Achievement, which outline the simulation process and the support students will need.

2. Facilitating the Experience

• Act as a Mentor: Assist a small group of students (or individuals) as they navigate their assigned "life scenarios," which include a career, salary, family situation, and financial obligations.
• Guide Decision-Making: Help students create a monthly budget by making decisions about housing, transportation, food, savings, insurance, and other expenses based on their assigned scenario.
• Provide Real-World Insights: Share your knowledge and experiences to help students understand the importance of financial literacy and how these decisions translate to real life.

3. Encouraging Critical Thinking

• Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Encourage students to think about the consequences of their financial decisions, such as how overspending in one area might affect their ability to save or meet other obligations.
• Promote Problem-Solving: Support students as they make trade-offs and prioritize their spending to balance their budgets.

4. Maintaining Engagement

• Monitor Progress: Ensure students stay on track with the simulation timeline and complete each station.
• Keep It Fun and Relatable: Use your enthusiasm to make the experience enjoyable and meaningful for the students.

5. Supporting Reflection

• Debrief with Students: At the end of the simulation, discuss their budgeting outcomes and what they learned about managing finances.
• Encourage Real-Life Applications: Help students connect their simulation experience to future decisions about careers, education, and money management.

Key Skills and Attributes for Volunteers:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to mentor and support students without making decisions for them.
• Basic knowledge of personal finance (though advanced expertise is not required).
• Enthusiasm and patience to work with young learners.

Volunteers play a vital role in making JA Finance Park a transformative experience for students, empowering them with the tools and confidence to navigate financial decisions in their future.