Southern Minnesota students learns about entrepreneurship at Junior Achievement’s JA Biztown
Mankato, MN. – Students at Franklin Elementary, Mankato, MN and Washington Elementary in New Ulm are participating in a unique Junior Achievement program to learn about money management and entrepreneurship this week.
This week, students learned what it takes to run a successful business at JA BizTown, a 10,000 square foot city within Junior Achievement headquarters in Maplewood, Minnesota.
JA BizTown is one of Junior Achievement’s Capstone programs that teach students real world skills that prepare them to succeed in school and beyond. The program, for fourth through sixth graders, begins with in-school classroom lessons and hands-on activities to help students understand their role in the community and local economy. Lessons culminate in a fully interactive town experience at JA BizTown.
During their day-long visit to this interactive business simulation, students managed one of 16 businesses, earned a paycheck, opened a savings account, voted, and learned how to work as a team. The JA BizTown curriculum teaches students about money management, how to market their business, and how to manage finances. Parent volunteers supported the students’ efforts.
Additional area schools will be participating in JA BizTown in the months to come, including Dakota Meadows Middle School (May 18 and May 19), Loyola Elementary (April 4), Nicollet (April 4), St. Anthony’s – New Ulm (April 4), St. Clair Elementary (May 25).
“Our experience (during the 14-15 school year) at JA Biztown provided a virtual experience that helps students explore their passions and purpose. Students are engaged in learning that is collaborative with their peers and it allows them to reflect on their strengths and to see how they can contribute to this amazing world.” – Ken Essay, Dakota Meadows Middle School
About Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest
Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest has been serving students in Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin since 1949. This school year we will reach more than 161,000 students in grades K-12 with financial literacy, college and career readiness and entrepreneurship education. Locally, JAUM will reach 8,400 Greater Mankato students and 3,100 New Ulm area students. Our programs are implemented by more than 8,000 volunteers, mostly business professionals, who share their skills and experience to motivate and inspire students to succeed. Learn more at www.jaum.org.
