JA BizTown®
Connecting the dots between what kids learn in school and how it’s applied in the real world isn’t that simple. That’s why we created JA BizTown®, an engaging, hands-on program that introduces 4th, 5th, and 6th graders to economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances in a student-sized town built just for them.
Students first take part in a series of classroom lessons where they learn about working in and being consumers in today’s world. They work together to create business plans, calculate operating costs, design a marketing campaign, apply for jobs, vote for city officials, and explore careers. Then, they put their skills to work by becoming employees for a day in one of our two JA BizTowns, on-site learning facilities that feature more than 40 different businesses and industries.
During their time at JA BizTown, students operate a simulated economy and take on the challenge of running businesses. They get hands-on experience as both employees and consumers, paying rent, taxes and utilities, buying advertising from the radio station, conducting TV interviews, purchasing insurance, depositing paychecks and buying other business’ products, handling customer service, and more.
Assisted by volunteer mentors, the students must make the hard and practical decisions to see their businesses thrive and succeed in their role, just like the real world.
JA BizTown Adventures
If an in-person visit to JA BizTown isn’t feasible, we have brought the JA BizTown experience to the digital world. Our JA BizTown Adventures program has all of the fun and learning that you get from the in-person simulation, but can be accessed right from your classroom. Learn more about how you can bring BizTown to YOUR class!
JA Hand in Hand: Video Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Check out our JA BizTown-specific video resources supporting learning for all students through American Sign Language, closed captioning and audio!