Volunteer | Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City

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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 classroom 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 Speakers – 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. Interested in this volunteer opportunity? Email us to learn more.

Classroom Coaching – Teach K-12 students directly in their classrooms using JA’s ready-to-use curriculum and materials. We provide the materials, instructions, and training to ensure you feel confident leading the lessons. You’ll guide students through interactive activities on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.

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“Volunteering at JA BizTown is a great opportunity to help children in the area learn how to navigate what career options are available to them and get a feel for what ‘the real world’ is like. You will get to work with a small group of students for half the day, getting to know them and helping them run their assigned business.”

-Savannah F.

“I left each class feeling energized and ready to take on my day after hearing the creativity of these kids. I had such a great time!”

-Christina H.

“We had a blast watching the students use their natural talents and engage in new ways of thinking. Thanks for letting us be a part of their special day, JAKC!”

-PayIt Employee Volunteer Group

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
  • Career Fair – visit a school and speak to students of various ages one-on-one about your career experiences and your company
  • Career Speaker – spend 30-45 minutes speaking with students about your career path
  • Classroom Coaching – teach students (K-12) in their classroom with JA curriculum and materials
  • 3DE Business Coach/Judge – work with 3DE high school students on their case challenge
  • Other Projects – special projects at the JA office or events

Volunteering opportunities range from 45-minute classroom visits to one-day JA BizTown simulations to event & office assistance. Opportunities are available both at the Youth Learning Lab and in the community. Check out the Junior Achievement VolunteerHub page to see upcoming volunteer needs. Don’t see anything that meets your interests? Reach out to our Volunteer Manager, Sara Swearingen, to build a custom volunteer experience! 

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
  • Multiple classrooms at schools can be taught by a group of volunteers
  • Contact us for customized special projects for groups at our facility
  • Training – you will be provided with guidance from a JA staff member and training materials to reference as you prepare for your volunteer experience.
  • Connection – you will build a relationship with a local educator who can answer questions you may have regarding your class.
  • Content – you will receive curriculum materials that will guide you as you teach students and show you the perfect times to share your own experiences.
  • Support – you will have a local staff member available to assist with issues and answer questions along the way.

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 – Vary by school, potentially Kindergarten to 12th grade.

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)
  • Swag or treats (optional)
  • Especially for younger students, a hands-on activity related to your business
A volunteer presenting in a classroom
A group of volunteers in blue t-shirts smiling
A volunteer with students gathered around a table viewing a laptop
A group of volunteers in a classroom
A volunteer helping a student
A large group of volunteers in matching shirts pose in front of the selfie wall in JA BizTown