Shape the Future: Volunteer with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published:
Tuesday, 16 Sep 2025
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Image caption: Hands-on career exploration at JA Career Inspire® gives students the chance to connect with local professionals and discover what’s possible.
At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to dream big, plan boldly, and step confidently into their future. None of that is possible without volunteers like you.
Whether you want to guide students through hands-on simulations, help them explore careers, or inspire them in the classroom, there’s a place for you at JAEI. This fall, we invite you to join us in one of four exciting volunteer opportunities:
JA Career Inspire®
More than a career fair, JA Career Inspire® connects students with local industry professionals through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Volunteers serve as role models, guides, and cheerleaders as students explore pathways to their futures.
👉 Sign up for JA Career Inspire®
Cedar Valley Area
Participating Districts: Hudson, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Denver, Waverly-Shell Rock, Clarksville, Columbus Catholic, Don Bosco, Independence, Union, West Delaware, Waterloo
📅 Event Dates: September 25–26, 2025 – Waterloo
Corridor Area
Participating Districts: Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, College Community, Anamosa, Alburnett, Marion Independent, Solon, Linn-Mar (VENTURE), Regina Catholic, Xavier, Center Point Urbana, North Linn, Lisbon, Springville, Benton, Heritage Christian, Monticello, Central City, Clear Creek Amana
📅 Event Dates: October 28–29, 2025 – Cedar Rapids
Image caption: Civic duty in action! JA BizTown® Mobile students experience firsthand how their roles—whether as voters, business leaders, or citizens—help shape a thriving community.
JA BizTown® Mobile
Imagine an entire city run by students for a day. From CEOs and CFOs to mayors and store managers, 5th–6th grade students step into the shoes of adults and learn how business, government, and money management really work.
As a volunteer, you’ll guide students through their roles, help them problem-solve, and cheer them on as they run their businesses.
Participating Districts: Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Springville, Solon, Aplington-Parkersburg, Linn-Mar, College Community, Benton, Vinton-Shellsburg, Williamsburg
📅 JA BizTown® Mobile events are held throughout the school year.
👉 Sign up for JA BizTown® Mobile
Image caption: At JA Finance Park®, volunteers are more than guides—they’re mentors. Their real-world insight helps students understand the importance of budgeting, saving, and planning for their futures.
JA Finance Park® Mobile
Middle and high school students face the ultimate real-world simulation: managing a household budget. Given a career, income, family size, and expenses, they learn how to balance housing, childcare, transportation, insurance, and more.
Volunteers help students navigate financial decisions, ask critical questions, and see the connection between money management and future success.
Participating Districts: Cedar Rapids, Alburnett, Springville, Benton, Columbus Catholic (Cedar Valley Catholic), Iowa City
📅 JA Finance Park® Mobile events are held throughout the school year.
👉 Sign up for JA Finance Park® Mobile
Image caption: JA classroom volunteers turn lessons into life skills—helping students see how what they learn today shapes the opportunities of tomorrow.
Classroom Programming
If you enjoy connecting directly with students, classroom volunteering is the perfect fit. Volunteers bring JA curriculum to life—teaching lessons on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness while sharing real-world experiences.
You don’t have to be a teacher—just someone who wants to make a difference. Training and materials are provided.
📅 Classroom volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year.
👉 Sign up for Classroom Programs
Why Volunteer with JA?
When you volunteer with JAEI, you’re doing more than teaching skills—you’re shaping lives. Students leave our programs inspired, informed, and empowered to make smart choices about their education and careers.
Your time is an investment in the future workforce of Eastern Iowa. And the best part? The impact you’ll make in just a few hours will last a lifetime.
✨ Take the first step today. Sign up, show up, and inspire.
Students across Eastern Iowa are waiting for you.
Select a button below to see how you or your organization can get involved with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc..
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