April 2025: Financial Literacy Month – Empowering the Next Generation

Author: Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Published: Tuesday, 01 Apr 2025

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Image of a volunteer and child working at a desk

Image caption: Empowering the next generation! Our amazing volunteers make financial literacy fun and engaging for students, helping them build the skills they need for a bright future.

April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of financial education and its role in shaping future success. At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), we are dedicated to equipping students with the financial knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions and build a secure future.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

Financial literacy is more than just understanding dollars and cents—it’s a fundamental life skill that affects every stage of life. From budgeting and saving to understanding credit and investing, financial knowledge helps individuals achieve financial security and independence.

Unfortunately, many students do not receive essential financial education, leaving them unprepared for adulthood’s financial realities. JAEI is committed to closing this gap by delivering hands-on, engaging programs that empower young people with the tools they need to succeed.

"Financial literacy in school is essential. I believe financial literacy being taught in schools directly correlates to more success as those students enter the workforce, become entrepreneurs, and start families." - Ryan Phalen, Real Estate Investor and Pharmacist

How JA Makes an Impact

Our age-appropriate, real-world financial education programs teach students essential skills, including:

Budgeting & Saving – Understanding income, expenses, and setting financial goals
Smart Spending & Credit Awareness – Learning responsible credit usage and how to avoid debt pitfalls
Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship – Exploring career paths, business planning, and financial independence

“I learned to use money wisely instead of just spending and not have any money. If you save up to get something you really really want when you get older.” -Third Grade Student, Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District

What sets JA apart is our innovative approach of partnering with volunteers from area businesses to bring financial literacy lessons into classrooms. These professionals offer students real-world insights, providing firsthand knowledge of money management, career pathways, and economic decision-making. By learning from experts in banking, finance, entrepreneurship, and other industries, students gain a deeper understanding of how financial principles apply in everyday life. This unique volunteer-led model not only enhances student engagement but also strengthens connections between local businesses and future generations.

By the Numbers: JA’s Impact

During the 2023-2024 school year, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa made a significant impact on students across the region. Through our programs, we reached 41,065 students in 128 schools spanning 13 counties, providing them with essential financial literacy and career-readiness education. This was made possible by the dedication of 1,399 unique volunteers from the business community and beyond, who generously contributed their time and expertise. In total, our volunteers and educators delivered an impressive 202,289 instructional hours, equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to build a secure financial future.

However, our work is far from over. With your support, we can expand our reach and provide even more students with the financial education they need to succeed. Your donation helps us develop and deliver impactful programs that inspire the next generation of financially literate, career-ready individuals. Join us in making a difference—donate today and help us empower young minds for a brighter tomorrow! Visit https://easterniowa.ja.org/donate/index to contribute.

Image of a student writing on a display board

Image caption: Financial literacy gives students the confidence and skills to take control of their futures. By learning smart money management today, they are building a foundation for success tomorrow.

JA Financial Literacy Pathway

The JA Financial Literacy Pathway is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make smart financial choices. Through interactive lessons and real-life scenarios, students learn how to budget, save, invest, manage debt, and understand credit—building a strong foundation for lifelong financial well-being.

Following the JA program, 93% of students felt very confident or extremely confident in their ability to manage their financial future.¹

Programs for Every Age Group

Elementary School:

Middle School:

JA Economics for Success® | JA Finance Park® Mobile | JA Global Marketplace® | JA BizTown® Mobile | JA Finance Park Mobile Advanced®

High School:

By fostering financial literacy, these programs encourage responsible money management and prepare young individuals for long-term financial success. To learn more about our programs, visit JA Programs.

96% of student that participated in the JA BizTown® Mobile simulation feel the choices they make about how they spend and save money will impact their life.¹

Your Support Makes a Difference

Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about providing young people with the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions about their future. By investing in financial education, you help students develop the skills necessary for lifelong success.

This April, join us in celebrating Financial Literacy Month by supporting JA’s mission. Together, we can create a financially literate generation prepared to take on the world!

Donate | Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa

For more information on how you can get involved, contact us today!

1 Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa administers pre- and post-program surveys for students in grades 1-12. As part of the assessment, students in 3rd grade and higher are also asked to rate their confidence on work readiness and financial literacy outcome statements. Three of our partnered school districts are part of a 5-year longitudinal study.