Volunteer WITH JA
What makes JA programs so impactful to the students? They are taught by volunteer mentors from local businesses and the community. People just like you! It takes more than 9,500 volunteer mentors to teach our 190,000 Arizona students each year.
Our programs, developed by experts, are designed to keep kids engaged and meets them at their level of understanding. But it’s through our volunteers that students are able to connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world. Our volunteers help transform students’ attitudes from “I can’t” to “I CAN!” and help them see what they might achieve in the future.
New Volunteer?
The magic behind our mission
For over 65 years, JA volunteers have been changing the lives of students in Arizona. When you become a JA volunteer, you:
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- Get to see firsthand the incredible impact that JA programs make on the lives of low-income students
- Share insights from your own life and career to show students the boundless possibilities for their future
- Support JA’s mission and fundraising efforts in order to serve 190,000 students per year
As the volunteer, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I was a small piece of the process that helps the students learn.
Aimee Olmedo
JA Volunteer
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
Classroom Volunteering
Volunteer in a K-12 classroom and provide JA lessons around financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Opportunities are statewide and can be in person or virtual. 1 hour of virtual training prior to volunteer date required.
In JA BizTown and JA Finance Park
In JA BizTown, help a small group of students navigate running a business in our Tempe-based kid-sized town for the day! In JA Finance Park, help students set a budget for a life scenario in a simulated economy. Training is provided on site the day of the opportunity.
At JA Special Events
Help with event logistics, set up, planning, and fundraising the day of an event or on an event committee. No training or experience required!
Need help deciding which volunteer opportunity is right for you?
VOLUNTEERING AT A GLANCE
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Of JA alumni have worked in the same job or career as their JA volunteer
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Of JA alumni report JA played an important role in their belief they could achieve their goals
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Of JA alumni remember the concepts their JA volunteer taught them
Frequently Asked questions
We have a variety of individual and group volunteer opportunities to choose from, allowing volunteers to find an opportunity that fits their areas of interest and schedule.
JA volunteers can lend a hand in any of these ways:
- JA Classroom Volunteer: JA classroom volunteers lead JA-developed lesson plans that teach financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship in K-12 classrooms across Arizona. After being matched to a classroom and attending training, you will deliver engaging, easy-to-follow lessons infused with your unique experiences.
- JA BizTown/JA Finance Park Volunteer: Volunteers spend the day in JA BizTown® or JA Finance Park® simulations where they will help a small group of students run their business or create a personal financial plan.
- Special Events: Volunteers plan and help facilitate one of JA’s annual special events such as our golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons, and program events.
- In-Office/Administrative: Volunteers can help in our offices for short- or long-term projects (e.g. kit rebuilding, event basket-making, mailing preparations, etc.).
- Volunteers must sign and abide by JA’s Volunteer Conduct Policy.
- JA program volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
- All JA program volunteers must complete JA volunteer training and be available to work with students during normal school-day hours.
- JA volunteers who work with middle and high school students must have 3+ years of full-time professional work experience.
Volunteers can grow in the following areas: communication, self-confidence, coaching talents, leadership, presentations, and supervisory skills.
Companies who sponsor JA enhance their company image by showing their commitment to educating today’s youth. Volunteers feel good about helping students in their community and JA can have a positive impact on employee morale!
JA Volunteers Make a Big Difference!
Volunteer Alumni Story – John Hall
John Hall was working in the television industry in the 1970s when an intriguing opportunity presented itself. He would have…
A volunteer’s perspective: Renee Farnell
Below is a guest post from a JA volunteer, Renee Farnell. She first volunteered with JA this year in the…