“I decided to return to school because of JA”

By KMcgrigg | January 25, 2012

We hear all the time about how rewarding it is to be a JA classroom volunteer. In the younger grades, volunteers are thanked with hugs and high-fives. In the middle grades, volunteers get to witness those “ah-ha” moments when students are finally able to grasp the connection between school and life. In the older grades, volunteers get to see the spark of optimism that young adults get when they realize the power of their own potential.

The less obvious benefit of volunteering for JA is the positive impact it can have on a person’s personal and professional life. Whether the volunteer learns something new about the stock market, hones his or her public speaking skills, or is empowered by their own words to further their education, volunteering for JA has far-reaching benefits. Following is a story by Sharon Gaare who graciously agreed to share her story about how volunteering for JA changed her life for the better.

At this time I am going to school to get my Master’s in Leadership. I have to tell you though, the reason I decided to return to school was because of JA.

I went and taught for a day a 6th grade class and we played a game of whether you work or go to school and at the end you get a Master’s if you stay in school. One of the kids asked me if I had a Master’s and I said, “no.” Then I thought to myself, “Why don’t I?”

That very day I went and applied for entrance into the Master’s program. So, JA not only makes a difference in the lives of the kids, but also those of us who volunteer!  -Sharon Gaare

Congratulations Sharon and good luck with your Master’s program! If you would like to learn more about getting involved with JA, visit the Volunteers section of our website.

Leave a comment

Teaching Colorado Kids about Finance is a Walk in the Park

By KMcgrigg | January 19, 2012

Every generation faces challenges; however, Colorado’s young people may be more prepared than their parents when it comes to financial ones.

According to the NFCC’s 2011 Consumer Literacy Survey, many adults (41%) would give themselves a grade of C, D, or F on their knowledge of personal finance, marking a statistically significant increase from 2010. This comes at a time when credit card debt is trending up; November saw consumer debt grow at the fastest rate in 10 years. In contrast, the majority of JA Finance Park middle and high school students are confident that they can make budget for current (80%) and future expenses (78%), differentiate between gross and net income (86%), and plan for their financial future (81%). An impressive 88% of middle school students who visited JA Finance Park could share the disadvantages of using credit.

Click here to read more about JA Finance Park outcomes

The difference could be attributed to the fact that fewer than 1 in 10 adults survey by the NFCC learned about financial literacy at school (9%). Since JA Finance Park’s initial launch in September 2011 in the Wells Fargo Atrium in downtown Denver, almost 1,300 middle and high school students dedicated time to differentiating between net and gross income, and making credit and purchasing decisions.

JA Finance Park is a hands-on, budgeting simulation opportunity and free curriculum that helps students build a foundation for future personal financial success. The 5,500-square-foot touring business community, which boasts nearly two dozen storefronts and kiosks, a gathering park and a college and career corner all sponsored by local companies, is set to reopen on February 7 at its new location at the American Furniture Warehouse store in Thornton.

Provided at no cost to students or schools, the JA Finance Park experience begins in the classroom with four units of curriculum that culminates in a day at the park. The curriculum also directly fulfills new state-mandated scholastic economic, math and reading, writing and communications standards including 21st century skill and concepts for middle and high school students.

Junior Achievement also offers an online version of the program, JA Finance Park Virtual. Much like the hands-on version, JA Finance Park Virtual users adopt a fictional persona, create an avatar and make fiscal decisions based on a pre-determined life circumstance all through an online environment.

Schools and teachers interested in offering JA Finance Park in their classrooms can learn more at JAColorado.org or may contact Stephanie Murphy at SMurphy@JAColorado.org or 303-260-6284. If you are interested in volunteering at JA Finance Park, contact Megan Silbert at MSilbert@JAColorado.org or 303-628-7369.

Leave a comment

JA Finance Park Outcomes

By KMcgrigg | January 11, 2012

JA Finance Park, presented by Great-West, helps students build a foundation for making intelligent, lifelong, personal financial decisions through hands-on, realistic site-based experiences. The program includes in-school, teacher-led activities culminating in a visit to JA Finance Park and a post-visit assessment.

In September 2011, JA launched JA Finance Park in the Wells Fargo Atrium in downtown Denver. During JA Finance Park’s first three months, 1,300 students dedicated time to differentiating between net and gross income, and making credit and purchasing decisions. Participating middle school students scored an average of 39% on the pre-test and 58% on the post-test, showing a significant knowledge gain. The majority (83%) of the more than 200 middle school students surveyed said that their visit to JA Finance Park taught them how to manage their money and demonstrated the following results after their visit.

 

High school students report that their visit to JA Finance Park is more than a simulated event, it encourages them to change their spending habits in relation to one another and to not live beyond their means. More than 80% of students found their experience made them more confident in planning for their financial future.

JA Finance Park will reopen in February at the American Furniture Warehouse in Thornton.  JA is currently accepting registrations from middle and high schools for both locations. Contact Stephanie Murphy at 303-260-6284 for more information about how to participate.


1 Comment

JA Helps Young People Accomplish Their 2012 Resolutions

By KMcgrigg | January 6, 2012

In a new survey released in December, Americans said they want to save more and spend less in 2012.  JA’s programs teach youth important financial lessons such as how to save and how to budget through interactive and engaging kindergarten through high school programs.

 

This is the third straight year that the top two resolutions are saving more and spending less in the survey measuring shoppers’ financial goals. On the 2012 New Year’s list, paying off debt jumped to the third spot; last year it was the seventh most popular resolution.

 

The results of the survey demonstrate that now is the time to prioritize your finances and to become a more financially responsible consumer. JA has the tools necessary to instill responsible spending and savings habits and to help prevent bad habits before they begin. Our programs help young people become financially responsible adults.

 

According to the survey, 46 percent of people who are considering a financial resolution for 2012 say saving more money is their top priority. The median annual target savings amount is $2,400 for long- and short-term goals, which doubles last year’s goal of $1,200.

 

The new survey results imply that people are eager to take control of their finances.  But you should not have to undertake this challenge alone. JA is here to help teach children how to proactively manage their finances. Youth need to understand early on why it is important to maintain good credit and have a savings account.

Leave a comment

Thanks for All That You Do

By KMcgrigg | December 19, 2011

Just taking a moment out of this busy holiday season to say thanks for everything that you do.

Leave a comment