JA Finance Park is a transformative educational program designed to equip students, from middle school through age 25, with essential personal finance skills. This immersive experience teaches students to manage a household budget and make informed financial decisions, laying the groundwork for their future independence.
There are two implementation formats, Entry Level and Advanced Level.
JA Finance Park Entry Level
Helps students build a foundation upon which they can make intelligent lifelong financial decisions, including those decisions related to income, expenses, savings, and credit.
- Introduces Concept of “Adulting”
- Focuses on Creation of Monthly Budget
- Lays the Groundwork for their Future
JA Finance Park Advanced
Gives teens and young adults a more personal focus. Participants select their career and define their future lifestyle and financial goals. The advanced simulation allows participants to see the long-term impact of their education, savings, and credit decisions.
- Student Chooses Career & Education
- Navigate Financial Decisions
- Focus on Long-term Budgeting
JA Finance Park includes three parts:
- Classroom lessons and activities
- Budgeting simulation at JA Finance Park
- Debrief and follow-up in the classroom
Classroom Lessons:
Students begin with teacher-led, comprehensive in-class lessons on budgeting, credit scores, and other key financial concepts. This curriculum provides a strong foundation in personal finance, preparing students for the culminating simulation.
The Simulation Experience:
At JA Finance Park, students step into their financial futures by assuming a randomly assigned persona that includes a unique life situation, including an education level, salary, and family scenario. Armed with tablets, they visit storefronts representing major budget categories—housing, utilities, food, transportation, and more. Throughout the day, they make crucial decisions, apply for car and home loans, and experience firsthand how credit scores impact financial well-being.
Guidance from Volunteers:
Dedicated volunteers guide students through the simulation, sharing their own life experiences to add authenticity and depth to the learning process. This crucial component helps students understand the real-world implications of their financial choices and provides them.
Key Benefits for Students
- Hands-On Learning: Students engage in a realistic simulation that teaches them to balance expenses and manage a budget effectively.
- Practical Skills: The program emphasizes practical financial skills, such as applying for loans and understanding the importance of credit scores.
- Real-World Impact: By the end of the simulation, students recognize how their education and career choices affect their potential income and quality of life.
See How Finance Park Works
Information provided to the students at JA Finance park is crucial as they are about to step into adulthood. Students got to see what living costs are like and how money management is essential to attain assets” – Mr. Damaris, Teacher.
Interested in a program?
If you would like to request a Junior Achievement program for your school, please complete the form below, and an education team member will be in touch.
