Spring 2026 Volunteer Opportunities with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Thursday, 05 Feb 2026

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Image of a female volunteer with a student holding a certificate

Image caption: This is the power of volunteering ✨ One conversation, one student, one moment that helps shape what’s next.

Spring is one of our busiest—and most impactful—seasons at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa! From traditional classroom programs to hands-on experiential learning and career exploration events, we have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available across Eastern Iowa.

Whether you can commit to a few classroom visits, a half-day career event, or an immersive simulation experience, your time helps students connect classroom learning to real-world success.

JA Dream Accelerator™ 🚀

Be part of an immersive, career-connected learning experience guiding students through future planning, budgeting, and career exploration.

➡️ Sign up to volunteer for the JA Dream Accelerator™

Traditional Classroom Programs

Kindergarten–8th Grade Opportunities

Immediate Classroom Needs – Iowa City Regina

We are currently seeking volunteers for the following classroom opportunities. All materials and training are provided—no teaching background required.

1st Grade
Start in March | 1x/week | 1:20–2:25
3rd Grade
Start in March | 1x/week | 12:30–1:30
4th Grade
Start in February | 1x/week | Late morning
4th Grade
Start in February | Thursdays | Afternoons between 12:45–1:50

Linn-Mar Community School District

Echo Hill

Grade 1
Program: JA Our Families®
Term: Spring | Start: April | Schedule: Flexible

Linn Grove Elementary School

Kindergarten
Program: JA Ourselves®
Term: Spring | Start: April | Time: 2:15–2:45
Grade 1
Program: JA Our Families®
Term: Spring | Start: April | Multiple times per week | 2:35

Novak Elementary School

Kindergarten
Program: JA Ourselves®
Term: Spring | Start: March | Multiple times per week | 12:30–1:30

➡️ Explore other classroom volunteer opportunities across Eastern Iowa on our website.

Image of a man in a red shirt assisting a student with an ipad

Image caption: Learning by doing! A volunteer supports students as they navigate jobs, budgets, and teamwork during the JA BizTown® Mobile experience.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

These high-energy, hands-on programs are favorites for both students and volunteers!

JA BizTown® Mobile

Immediate Volunteer Needs

February 10 – Wilson Middle School
March 6 – Springville

➡️ Sign up to volunteer for JA BizTown® Mobile

JA Finance Park® Mobile

Help students apply budgeting, career, and financial decision-making skills in a real-world simulation.

➡️ Sign up to volunteer for JA Finance Park® Mobile

Image caption: Future in uniform! A student gets hands-on with police gear during the 4th Grade Equipment Exploration Fair.

Career Speakers – Alburnett Elementary School

📅 May 1
⏱ Half-day commitment
We’re looking for volunteers to share their career journey with students.

📩 Interested? Email oallen@jaeasterniowa.org

Career Speakers – Cedar Rapids (Location TBD)

📅 March 23, 24, & 25
⏱ Half-day commitment
Volunteers will speak with students about career paths, skills, and real-world experiences.

📩 Interested? Email oallen@jaeasterniowa.org

4th Grade Equipment Exploration Fair

📅 March 10 & 11 (volunteers can chose one or both days)
📍 Educational Leadership and Support Center, Cedar Rapids Community School District
⏱ 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

We are seeking businesses to host booths and showcase hands-on equipment, tools, or technology related to their industry.

➡️ Sign up to participate in the Equipment Exploration Fair

Careers on Wheels – Iowa City Community School District

An immersive event introducing kindergarten students to vehicle-based careers—think truck drivers, food truck owners, emergency responders, and more!

📅 Tuesday, March 31 & Wednesday, April 1
📍 ICCSD Center for Innovation
⏱ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (volunteers may choose one or both days)

➡️ Sign up to volunteer for Careers on Wheels

Ready to Make an Impact?

No matter your background or availability, there’s a place for you to inspire the next generation this spring. Join us in bringing real-world learning to life—one student, one classroom, and one experience at a time.