Volunteer | Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City

A student looking at a tablet assisted by an adult volunteer
3DE volunteer at a desk with a student
Volunteer speaking in front of a class

Volunteering with Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that fit different schedules, skills, and interests. By sharing personal and professional insights, volunteers help students connect the dots between school learning and real-world experiences. Whether it’s in the classroom or onsite at the Youth Learning Lab presented by the Mallouk Family Foundation, you can make a lasting impact on students in the Greater Kansas City community.

Ways to Get Involved

JA BizTown presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union – Step into our simulated city and guide 4th-6th grade students as they take on the role of employee, consumer, and engaged citizen. Think of yourself as a friendly mentor, helping students navigate their assigned jobs, manage their storefront, and complete their assigned tasks. Volunteers answer questions, keep students on track, and watch as concepts they learn in the classroom are applied through practical, real-world examples.

3DE by Junior Achievement – Work with high school students as they tackle real business challenges. As a 3DE Business Coach, you’ll provide guidance to student teams as they research the case challenge and develop their presentations. As a 3DE Business Judge you’ll watch the top teams present their solutions, ask thoughtful questions, and work with fellow judges to select the winning team. Business professionals play a crucial role by bringing relevant experiences, exposure to diverse industries, and personal insight on what it takes to succeed after high school. Learn more about 3DE.

Career Fairs – Inspire students by sharing your career journey! Discuss the skills needed in your industry, provide real-world insights, and offer advice to help them explore future possibilities and prepare for success. Your story can spark curiosity and open doors for students as they think about life after school. This opportunity could be with other speakers at tables for a fair event or speaking to students in a classroom. Interested in this volunteer opportunity? Email us to learn more.

Pitch Competitions – Students are challenged to develop and present innovative solutions to real-world problems in competitions at the JA Youth Learning Lab. Judges are needed to watch the students’ presentations, give feedback and select winners. Opportunities will be available on VolunteerHub.

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Volunteering with JA FAQs

Junior Achievement volunteers help students build a solid foundation of important life skills and practice crucial real-world behaviors. In short, JA volunteers inspire kids to stay on the path towards a bright future. As a volunteer, you show young people what’s possible. For them. For their city. 

Junior Achievement has many opportunities to volunteer. You can see the current openings for volunteers and sign up by visiting our VolunteerHub page. If you have questions about opportunities or want to inquire about a special request or group projects, you can email our Volunteer Manager, Sara Swearingen.

  • JA BizTown – attend a JA BizTown day from 8:30am-2pm working with students in a simulated city
  • 3DE Business Coach/Judge – work with 3DE high school students on their case challenge
  • Career Fair – visit a school and speak to students of various ages one-on-one about your career experiences and your company
  • Pitch Competition Judge – watch student presentations, provide feedback and select winners
  • JA BizTown – 4-5 hrs
  • 3DE Coaching – 5-7 hrs
  • 3DE Judging – 1-2 hrs
  • Pitch Competitions – 1-2 hrs

No specific knowledge or experience is needed. Materials, subject matter and training are provided. You just need the desire to help local students succeed in their future.

Yes there are!

  • JA BizTown needs 20-30 volunteers every day that students attend but smaller groups are welcome
  • 3DE Coaching and Judging can use 3-5 volunteers depending on the day and school

Yes they can!

  • In JA BizTown, anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer alone; students 14-15 can volunteer with an adult

Career Fairs are generally not listed on our VolunteerHub page, so please email Sara Swearingen (sswearingen@jagkc.org) if you are interested in being a career fair volunteer!


  • Location – Typically at the participating school.
  • Format – Tables are typcally set up in a school gym and volunteers are provided a table and chairs. Students visit the tables to hear about your career experience and company.
  • Time Commitment – 1 hour to 6 hours, depending on the size of the school or class.
  • Student Ages – Middle and high school students.

What would I need to bring as a Career Fair volunteer?


You don’t have to bring anything, but the following things can be helpful to draw in students:

  • Tablecloth, plain or with a company logo
  • Pictures or information about your business
  • Tools of your trade (if applicable)
  • A hands-on activity related to your business
  • Swag or treats (optional)