Empowering Young Learners: Junior Achievement’s (JA) Elementary Financial Literacy Programs

Author: Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Published: Tuesday, 22 Apr 2025

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Image caption: A young student dives into a Junior Achievement activity, building real-world skills one lesson at a time.

April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to emphasize the importance of early financial education in shaping future success. At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), we are dedicated to empowering young minds through our comprehensive elementary school programs. These programs introduce students to essential economic concepts, community roles, and financial literacy, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors.

JA Elementary School Programs

JA Ourselves®
Designed for kindergarten students, JA Ourselves® uses engaging stories and activities to introduce the role individuals play in an economy. Students learn about personal responsibility, the importance of working to earn money, and making choices to satisfy needs and wants.
JA Our Families®

Aimed at first graders, JA Our Families® explores the roles of families in the local economy. Through interactive lessons, students discover how family members’ jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the community, emphasizing the value of work and entrepreneurship.

JA Our Community®
Targeting second-grade students, JA Our Community® introduces the concept of a community and the variety of jobs people perform. Students learn how businesses and government work together, the flow of money, and the importance of economic exchange within a community.

Image caption: Students team up for a fun, fast-paced game during their JA class—learning teamwork, strategy, and real-world skills along the way!

JA Our City®
Designed for third graders, JA Our City® delves into the characteristics of cities and how they function. Students explore economic development, local businesses, and the role of entrepreneurs in a city's growth, gaining insights into urban economic systems.

“(I learned) that when you get money you don't have to spend it right away and you can save up for the things you need by putting money into a bank or putting it somewhere safe where no one will find it but you.” -Third Grade Student, Cedar Rapids Community School District

JA Our Region®
Aimed at fourth-grade students, JA Our Region® introduces entrepreneurship and how regions support businesses. Students learn about natural, human, and capital resources, and how entrepreneurs utilize these to offer products and services, fostering regional economic development.

JA Our Nation®
Targeting fifth graders, JA Our Nation® provides practical information about the U.S. free market system and its role in the global economy. Students examine high-growth industries, the need for entrepreneurial thinking, and the skills required for future careers in a competitive marketplace.

JA More than Money®
Designed for students in grades three through five, JA More than Money® teaches students about earning, spending, sharing, and saving money. They gain a practical approach to starting a business and making smart financial decisions, understanding the role of money in their lives and communities.

Image caption: Future leaders in action! These students are hard at work running businesses, making decisions, and learning real-world skills during their JA BizTown® Mobile experience.

JA BizTown® Mobile

JA BizTown® Mobile brings an interactive, simulated town to schools, allowing students to experience running businesses, managing finances, and making economic decisions. This hands-on program helps students connect classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering financial literacy and work readiness.

To learn more about JA BizTown® Mobile, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTOgBGR3E94
The Importance of Early Financial Literacy

Dani Carter, Programs Director at JAEI, emphasizes the significance of early financial education:
"Introducing financial literacy at the elementary level is crucial. It equips young students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives."

Make a Difference – Support JA Programs
Financial literacy is a lifelong skill, and the earlier students learn these concepts, the better prepared they are for the future. Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa relies on community support to continue providing these impactful programs. Your donation helps bring financial literacy education to more students, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. Donate today by clicking here.