JA BizTown® Mobile: Bringing Hands-On Learning to Your School

Image caption: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! Watch as students collaborate, problem-solve, and take on leadership roles in their very own JA BizTown® Mobile economy. The future looks bright.

At Junior Achievement, we believe in the power of experiential learning to equip students with the skills they need to navigate the real world. That’s why we are proud to offer JA BizTown® Mobile, an innovative and engaging program that brings the renowned JA BizTown® experience directly to schools. This mobile simulation allows students to immerse themselves in a fully interactive, real-world economic environment without ever having to leave their community.

What is JA BizTown^® Mobile?

JA BizTown® Mobile is a hands-on learning experience designed for elementary students to develop work and career readiness, financial literacy, and business management skills. Through a combination of in-class lessons and an interactive simulation, students take on real-world roles as business owners, employees, and consumers, making financial decisions and managing businesses in a simulated economy.

This mobile version of JA BizTown^® ensures that students receive the same valuable experience, even if they are unable to travel to a permanent facility. With a streamlined setup that can be deployed in gymnasiums, cafeterias, or other large spaces, JA BizTown® Mobile makes financial education and career exploration more accessible than ever.

🎥 Want to see JA BizTown® Mobile in action? Watch this video to learn more: JA BizTown^® Mobile Video

How JA BizTown^® Mobile Works

Before participating in the on-site simulation, students complete a series of structured lessons in the classroom. These sessions, led by educators, introduce essential economic concepts such as financial transactions, supply and demand, and business operations. The curriculum includes:

Financial Literacy: Understanding banking services, using checking accounts, and managing personal finances.
Community and Economy: Exploring the circular flow of an economy, the impact of taxes, and the role of businesses.
Work and Career Readiness: Identifying personal interests and skills, preparing for jobs, and practicing interviews.
Business Management: Running a business, setting prices, managing expenses, and making strategic decisions.

Once students complete the preparatory lessons, they participate in the JA BizTown^® Mobile simulation, where they step into their roles as citizens of a bustling economy. They receive paychecks, manage their expenses, operate businesses, and make critical financial choices—all in a safe and controlled environment that mimics the real world.

Image caption: Hands-On Learning, Real-World Impact! From balancing budgets to running storefronts, these students are experiencing the excitement of financial literacy and career readiness firsthand.

The Impact of JA BizTown^® Mobile

The benefits of JA BizTown^® Mobile extend beyond the classroom. This program helps students:

Develop essential financial literacy skills that will serve them throughout life.
Gain a deeper understanding of business and economic concepts.
Build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Foster confidence and independence in decision-making.

“I learned what it is like to pay off loans, pay bills, and pay taxes.” - JA BizTown^® Mobile Student

Educators and volunteers play a vital role in the success of JA BizTown^® Mobile, guiding students through the simulation and helping them connect their experiences to real-world applications. The hands-on nature of the program keeps students engaged and allows them to see firsthand how the financial choices they make impact their futures.

“The ability to expose our students to these financial literacy, collaborative, and community experiences through an on-site simulation is a great step forward in preparing our students for their future participation in our community.” — Dr. Douglas Wheeler, Superintendent, College Community School District

Image caption: Future CEOs in Action! Students are stepping into real-world roles at JA BizTown® Mobile, managing businesses, making financial decisions, and learning valuable life skills—all while having fun.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

JA BizTown^® Mobile would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, who help make this impactful program available to students in our community. We extend our heartfelt THANK YOU to:

Program Sponsors:

MidAmerican Energy
Wells Fargo
Midwest One Bank
New Leader Manufacturing
Giacoletto Foundation
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

“As a key partner, Junior Achievement’s JA BizTown^® Mobile will help students throughout the area understand the importance of being fiscally responsible and how that impacts their future.” — Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration, MidAmerican Energy

Your support allows students to experience hands-on learning in financial literacy, business management, and career readiness, shaping the future of young leaders in our community.

There’s Still Time to Become a Sponsor!

Would you like to be part of this transformative educational experience? There is still time to become a sponsor and help bring JA BizTown^® Mobile to more schools. Your contribution will empower students with essential life skills, preparing them for successful futures.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to bring JA BizTown^® Mobile to your school, contact Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa today!