How to Bring Junior Achievement to Your School

The first step is to let the principal and fellow teachers know you are interested in bringing Junior Achievement to your school. Make a list of interested teachers along with any questions or concerns they might have. Encourage them to visit this website for additional information.

Once you have an interested group, choose a coordinator or spokesperson to contact us. Share your enthusiasm -- whether you have had JA in your classroom before, had JA when you went to school, or simply connected with us through a friend, other teacher, or through our website, your excitement has an impact on how receptive others will be to this program!

Second, consider which companies in your area might be willing to sponsor the classes. JA programs are offered at no cost to the public schools, and this is facilitated if we can find a company to financially 'adopt' your school. JA works directly with the companies you identify in order to secure funding. Many companies also give paid volunteer time, or matching funds to the school based on volunteer hours.

Third, contact potential parent volunteers through your PTA/PTC network. JA can assist you by providing information and materials. Many schools use parent volunteers exclusively, and find the tie-in with working parents to have many benefits.

Classroom photo And last, have fun! This is a dynamic, rewarding program that has a time tested reputation as a positive, enriching experience. This is a flexible program, and we are eager to work with you in the most effective way possible. You might be the spark, but you may find someone else that is eager to assume the role of school coordinator. Don't feel obligated simply because it was your idea! The most important thing is for you to get JA in your classroom and experience the amazing rewards it has to offer!

Some final things to keep in mind. Some schools launch JA in every class from the beginning, others build slowly, adding one or two classes each year. Some schools teach a specific curriculum to a select handful of classes year after year. JA has something for every school, teacher, student, and volunteer. Don't get discouraged if your vision of JA differs from the rest of the school's initially - programs change and evolve over time, and you can be that catalyst!