Middle School Programs

Junior Achievement offers five programs for middle and junior high schools nationwide. With each program, a business volunteer, in cooperation with the teacher, leads activities and discussions related to economic and business topics.

The programs teach students business and economic concepts, help them prepare for productive careers, and provide experience in personal economics management. All of the programs are appropriate for grades six through nine. However, because of the curriculum requirements of most school districts, Personal Economics tends to be taught in seventh grade and Enterprise in Action in eighth grade.

All of the middle grade programs supplement the general school social studies curriculum.

JA Economics for Success - New!

• Explores personal finance and students’ education and career options based on their skills, interests, and values. It also demonstrates the economic benefits of staying in school. Six required, volunteer-led activities
• Concepts–Credit, Debt, Decision-making, Gross income, Insurance, Interest, Needs and wants, Net income, Opportunity cost, Risk, Self-knowledge, World of work
• Skills–Critical thinking, Decision-making, Following directions, Interpreting data, Math calculations, Oral and written communication, Problem-solving, Role-playing, Self-assessment, Working in groups

• Provides practical information about the global economy and its effect on students’ lives. Six required, volunteer-led activities
• Concepts–Trade, Market, Domestic trade, International trade, Exports, Trade barrier, Quota, Subsidy, Embargo, Tariff, Standard, Business practices, Culture, Franchise, Global trade, Immigrate, Emigrate, Entrepreneurship, Human resources, Productivity, Technology, Exchange rates, Currency
• Skills–Interpreting maps, charts, and globes, Oral and written communication, Working in groups, Gathering and organizing information, Critical reading, Persuasion, compromise, and bargaining, Analyzing points of view, Brainstorming, Critical thinking, Math calculations

• Encompasses entrepreneurship curriculum for students in grades six, seven, and eight. The program emphasizes entrepreneurship while providing a strong focus on social studies, reading, and writing skills. Students are encouraged to use critical thinking to learn entrepreneurial skills that support positive attitudes as they explore and enhance their career aspirations. Six volunteer-led activities are required
• Concepts–Advertising, Apprentice, Auction, Auctioneer, Be Creative and Innovative, Believe in Yourself, Bid, Business, Business Plan, Civic Responsibility, Customer, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur Profile, Fill a Need, Know Your Customer and Product, Market, Marketing, Profit, Self-taught, Social Entrepreneur
• Skills–Active-listening, Analyzing Information, Brainstorming, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Decision-making, Deductive Reasoning, Estimating, Following Directions, Group Work, Interpreting Information, Measuring, Money Management, Oral and Written Communication, Problem-solving, Self-assessment

• learn about organizing and operating a business enterprise
• explore how markets work
• examine the role of government in the economy
• study the social responsibilities

• assess personal skills and interests
• explore career options
• learn job-hunting skills
• develop personal budgets and examine family financial management issues

© 2004, Junior Achievement of Central Virginia