JA Our Nation^®

Elementary School

Implementation:
Classroom Based
After School
Virtual

Pillars of Student Success

Work Readiness High Work Readiness

Financial Literacy Moderate Financial Literacy

Entrepreneurship Moderate Entrepreneurship

JA Our Nation introduces students to the intersection of work readiness and upper elementary grades social studies learning objectives. Through hands-on classroom activities, the program provides students with practical information about the nation's free market system and how it serves as an economic engine for businesses and careers. It also introduces the need for entrepreneurial and innovative thinking to meet the requirements of high-growth, high-demand careers and the concept of globalization in business.

Following participation in the program, students will be able to:

-- Begin to understand the nation’s free market system and how it supports businesses and careers.
-- Experience how entrepreneurial thinking can spur new business and the opportunity for future income.
-- Examine career groups and the skills needed for a variety of careers.
-- Identify important work-readiness soft skills necessary for career success.
-- Explore how the United States is connected to the global economy.

JA Our Nation is recommended for fifth-grade students. This volunteer-led, kit-based program is available for classroom-based or remote classroom implementation. It includes five 45-minute sessions and one optional supplemental session, with additional extended learning activities and optional digital assets offered throughout.

JA programs support national and state standards in reading, mathematics, social studies, and work and career readiness. See below for more information on alignment with national and state standards.

Program Concepts

Businesses, careers, career clusters, collaboration, competition, competitor, consumer, critical thinking, engineering, employees, employers, entrepreneur, free market economy, global economy, goods and services, human capital, innovation, invention, interdependence, job specialization, opportunity cost, product, producer, profit, resume, skills, technology, work readiness

Skills Students Learn

Analyzing occupations
analyzing information
brainstorming
creative thinking
collaboration
communication
decision making
estimating

following written instructions
interpersonal skills
interpreting economic issues
map reading
organizing information
prioritizing
problem solving
reasoning

speaking and listening
STEM skills
teamwork
working cooperatively
working in pairs
written communication.

Virtual Implementation

Remote classroom is available for JA Our Nation

Program Resources

Volunteer Resources

JA Our Nation Training Videos

Alignment with State and National Standards

Common Core Standards

For those states that follow common core standards, Junior Achievement’s curricula have been reviewed for alignment with these standards! Learn more by selecting the appropriate grade level below.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

National Standards

While educational standards are determined primarily at the state level, many national standards serve as guidelines for the development of these state standards. See how Junior Achievement curricula align with the national standards listed below.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

State Standards

Junior Achievement curricula are created to align with state standards. To see how our programs align with your state’s standards, explore the options below.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

Scope and Sequence

Junior Achievement learning experiences cover financial literacy, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Our extensive scope and sequence helps explain how our programs cover these subjects at various grade levels.

Main Correlation and Standards Page

Request a Presenter to Teach Curriculum

A Junior Achievement Volunteer teaches students

Junior Achievement lessons are delivered by volunteers from the community. These presenters are prepared by JA to facilitate engaging learning activities that focus on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. This results in an enriched learning experience that helps students make the connection between what they learn in school and the world outside the classroom.

Steps to Request a Presenter

1) Request Info

Once you’ve decided to have a JA volunteer in your classroom, fill out the form on this website. You will receive information on next steps.

2) Pick Schedule

You will be able to coordinate a schedule that works for your class either online or in conjunction with a JA representative.

3) Meet Presenter

Once a volunteer is identified for your class, JA will connect you with the presenter to discuss roles, expectations, and logistics.

4) Empower Students with Standards-Based Education

After all details are in place, the JA volunteer will deliver lessons to your students either virtually or in-person.

Request Information about this Learning Experience

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