JA Biztown

JA BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town. This popular program allows elementary school students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor. The program helps students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.

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

• Discuss the roles they play as citizens, workers, and consumers in their community and relate those roles to the free enterprise system.

• Discuss the importance of citizen rights and responsibilities in a community.

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the free enterprise system.

• Build money management skills through a practical knowledge of economic concepts and banking practices.

• Develop an understanding of basic business practices and responsibilities.

• Display the soft skills necessary for successful participation in the world of work.

JA BizTown is recommended for grades 4–6. The program is a JA Capstone program and is available for classroom-based, self-guided, or remote classroom implementation. It includes 12 teacher-led sessions prior to the simulation and 1 session following the simulation, with a culminating 4–5 hour visit to a hands-on simulated community or a virtual simulation.

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

Advertising, business management, careers, check register, circular flow, economics, financial institutions, financial transactions, free enterprise, goods and services, interests and skills, jobs, operating costs, payment methods, performance evaluation, personal finance, quality business, resources (natural, human, and capital), running a business, scarcity, soft skills, STEM careers