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 Junior Achievement BizTown^®, an engaging, hands-on program that introduces 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.

THE JA BIZTOWN EXPERIENCE

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.

Volunteer in JA BizTown

It feels like I actually have a job, have real responsibilities and am in the real world!

Solome

JA BizTown Student

of teachers would recommend JA BizTown to a colleague

students participated in the JA BizTown program last year

of students would recommend JA BizTown to a friend

THE JA BIZTOWN TEAM

Our JA BizTown team supports the volunteers, parents, and educators who come to our space to make sure students have a meaningful experience. They train volunteers the day of simulations, guide students as they fulfill their job responsibilities, and answer educator questions!

Meet the Team

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!

View Videos

Volunteer

What makes JA programs so impactful for our students? They are taught by volunteer mentors from local businesses and the community — people just like YOU! It takes nearly 9,000 volunteer mentors to teach our 130,000+ Arizona students each year.

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Invest in today’s students and help them realize the boundless potential for their futures. We can’t do it without you!

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