JA Finance Park® is Junior Achievement’s capstone program for personal financial planning and career exploration. This program, comprising a curriculum and a simulation, helps students build a foundation on which they can make intelligent financial decisions that last a lifetime, including decisions related to income, expenses, savings, and credit.
This educator-led classroom curriculum culminates with a visit to JA Finance Park virtually in the classroom, where students put into practice what they’ve learned by developing a personal budget.
Following participation in the Entry Level program, students will be able to:
— Identify personal interests, skills, work preferences, and values.
— Identify career interests.
— Evaluate the risks and benefits of saving and investing.
— Evaluate risk and recognize insurance as a way to minimize it.
— Define taxes, explain their purpose, and understand how they affect everyone.
— Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using credit and debit cards.
— Explain who uses a budget and why.
— Identify the components of a successful budget.
— Create a successful budget using hypothetical life situations.
An advanced curriculum and simulation give high school students a more personal focus. Students select their career and define their future lifestyle and financial goals. The advanced simulation allows students to see the long-term impact of their education, savings, and credit decisions.
Following participation in the program, students will be able to:
— Take a deep dive into financial consequences of life choices and decisions impacting long-term goals.
— Choose a journey into adulting, where they select personas based on career and education selections.
— Navigate financial decisions through various life stages, budgeting beyond 1 month.