JA BizTown is a 10,000 sq. foot mini-city in which kids discover how the “real world” works. Fifth graders become JA BizTown “citizens,” where they work in one of 21 businesses, make personal financial decisions as well as for their business, hold business meetings, pay taxes and donate to charity.
After four weeks of curriculum and preparation in the classroom, where students learn how to be a citizen, how an economy works, how to apply for a job and run a successful business, students visit our McGrath Family JA BizTown facility for a 4.5 hr simulated work day experience. Each citizen has a job for the day, participates in business and town meetings, gets paid twice, manages a checking account, purchases retail items to take home, gets a health check-up, and much more!
This interactive, project-based program not only teaches students how to manage their own personal finances and the importance of becoming a successful professional within our community, but it also empowers them to take responsibility for their professional and educational futures!