News

February 14, 2024

Junior Achievement of Northeastern NY is Seeking Volunteers

Junior Achievement Of Northeastern NY Is Seeking Volunteers to teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills in K-12 classrooms across the Capital Region.

 Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people with life skills to succeed in a global economy. Volunteer mentors like you provide unique perspectives and examples to students, making JA even more impactful. Check out this video here about volunteering, and this video here that illustrates how equity is a key component of JA’s mission.

Upcoming opportunities to make a difference:

  • March: Prepare students to invest in their futures with 2 lessons about the stock market at Albany, Columbia, or Guilderland High School in March. Expose students at Shaker High School to your career in finance one time in March.
  • April 9th: Inspire K-5 students in Cohoes about money, careers, and business.
  • April or May: Mentor K-5 students in Schenectady (1 lesson p/week for 5 weeks).

 What to expect:

  • JA Staff provides a virtual training and all of the materials.
  • Preparation is necessary in order to personalize the lessons; however, the Volunteer Guide provides detailed talking points so there is minimal prep.
  • Volunteers are connected directly with teachers to plan logistics.
  • Commitments vary from 1 to 5 lessons and there is flexibility on exact dates.

 We are particularly in need of diverse volunteers who better represent our student populations and also provide perspectives beyond their experiences.

Volunteers of various ages, backgrounds and careers are welcome!

 Why JA?

  • Research shows that JA alumni are more likely to finish college, start a business, and have confidence managing money. 
  • Financial literacy and workforce readiness skills are necessary to help increase financial security and decrease poverty rates.

69% of Americans reported having less than $1,000 in a savings account in 2019. 

  • Educators LOVE JA!

“I love collaborating with members of the community. I think it’s important to our educational program. I wholeheartedly believe in the Junior Achievement philosophy and think it should be implemented in all classrooms.” – New Scotland Elementary Teacher

  • Volunteers LOVE JA!

“This is a fantastic program! I don’t know who received the greater benefit, the children or myself.” – JA Volunteer for Troy students

  • Students are inspired by JA volunteers!

“A Shaker High School student wrote to their volunteer: It is not very often you get to meet a CEO of a company and especially a company that has been as successful as yours. The information you presented to us about how you worked hard to achieve your dreams of being an entrepreneur was very inspirational. Your story really showed me how if you work hard to achieve what you love that you can get it done.”

Contact Joleen Hanlon at jhanlon@janeny.org or 518-631-5081 with your preferred school district and grade level preference(s) (Elementary, Middle, or High) and we can find a classroom that’s a match for you!