Yesterday I got to volunteer with a 5th grade field trip to BIZTOWN - a 'simulated' town. I can't speak highly enough of this Junior Achievement program. I was blown away by the 'real world' application that they provide for our students.
Before the field trip our fifth grade students got to:
- choose a job and interview for that job with parent volunteers
- They got to learn about budgeting - earning, saving and spending.
- They got to learn how to write a check and use a debit card
- and more...
Once at Biztown, they went to 'work.' The town had many different companies. Each company had several student employees and each student had a list of responsibilities. The company took out a business 'loan' that they tried to repay by the end of the day. They earned a paycheck and got to put it in both a savings and checking account. They could spend their money on items around Biztown.
The staff was fantastic - so helpful and friendly. The building was so clean and organized. I can't believe how much time and resources went into planning such a useful program. I'm so grateful and loved volunteering. read more