Kinds of Volunteer  Experiences
Do all JA volunteers work directly with students?
No, while we have many opportunities for JA volunteers to work with students (we call these volunteers JA facilitators), there are other volunteer opportunities available.  These opportunities include:  assistance during JA special events (i.e. Bowl-A-Thon, Stock Market Challenge, Hall of Fame, etc.), office assistance (i.e. typing, copying, mailings, etc.), many others (i.e. preparing craft kits, paperwork packets for simulations).  Volunteers may participate one time, or weekly, monthly, on an on-call basis, etc.

Experience required
Do JA facilitators need to have prior teaching experience or a business background before they can participate?
No, prior teaching experience or a business background are not required; though business experience does prove very helpful for middle and high school programs. Interest in working with children and a desire to share personal and professional experiences around economic principles are the primary requirements for participation.

Training provided
What training is provided to new JA facilitators?
A: All new consultants are required to attend a training conducted by members of the JA staff.

JA BizTown™ training is 3 hours in length. You will be introduced to the operations of JA BizTown™, learn how to direct the students on the day of the JA BizTown™ visit, and become familiar with the shops, products, procedures and flow of the City.  

Finance Park training is 1 ½ hours in length.  You will become familiar with the concepts students will practice during their visit and become familiar with the tools, procedures and flow of the Park.

In-school program training sessions are 2 hours long- High school program volunteers are trained together -- middle and elementary school volunteers are generally trained at the same time. Generally speaking, the training sessions are conducted at the JA office downtown Indianapolis. During the training, you will learn about what to expect in the classroom and will become familiar with the materials you will need to conduct the JA program you have selected.

Materials provided
What materials are provided to me as a facilitator?
JA BizTown™: The materials you will receive will help prepare you to be an effective coach in one of fourteen JA BizTown™ shops. On the day of the students' visit, they will become citizens and assume a job in one of the 14 businesses.  Items to bring: comfortable shoes, a pen or pencil, optional $ for JA BizTown™ souvenirs.

Finance Park: Volunteers are provided a binder that gives a detailed overview of each section of the simulation.  Answer keys and samples are included.  Calculators, pencils and paperwork are pre-organized and ready for students.  Items to bring: comfortable shoes, $ for Finance Park souvenirs.

In-School Programs: The materials you will receive have been prepared based upon the program you have decided to teach. The kit contains suggested agendas for each classroom session, instructor notes, student workbooks, and all supplies needed for the various classroom exercises. At the end of the semester, the kits can be kept or returned to the JA office to be refilled for the next consultant. Items to bring: pen or pencil.

Time of JA sessions
When are JA programs conducted? Are they conducted during the school day or at night?
JA in-school programs as well as  JA BizTown™ and Finance Park (student visits) are conducted during the school day. It is intended that the programs be integrated into the school's curriculum. Many schools supplement their social studies, math, or language arts curriculum with JA.

In-school trainings are scheduled during regular business hours. For specific dates and times please contact the JA office. (317-252-5900 ext. 203)

JA BizTown™ trainings are available both day and evening hours. For specific dates and times please contact the JA office. (317-252-5900 ext. 203)

Time commitment
How much time is required to participate as a volunteer for  Junior Achievement of Central Indiana?
JA in-school programs vary in length. The programs for kindergarten through 6th grade are 5 weeks in length; class periods are 30-40 minutes. Middle school programs are 6-8 weeks in length; class periods are 40-50 minutes. High school programs are 10-12 weeks; class periods are 45-55 minutes. JA facilitators are expected to visit their assigned classroom once each week for the duration of the program. It is recommended that consultants spend at least 30 minutes to 1 hour preparing for each session.

JA BizTown™: The simulation is 5 hours in length. Arrival and departure times are determined by each individual school (call JA office for specifics). Volunteers are asked to arrive at JA BizTown™ 30 minutes before students. The day ends with the school/students' departure.

Finance Park:  The simulation is 4 ½ hours in length.  Arrival and departure times are determined by each individual school (call JA office for specifics).  Volunteers are asked to arrive at Finance Park 20 minutes before students (if they have already been trained) or 1 ½ hours before students if they have not yet been trained.

Assignment of schools and/or programs
How are schools and/or programs assigned to new facilitators?
A: The JA office keeps a list of schools that are interested in any or all of JA's programs. JA staff will inform potential volunteers of areas of greatest volunteer need. Selection of school and program are decided by the facilitator, based upon current openings. Facilitator preferences can be indicated on the JA Member Information/Child Abuse Policy form.

Classroom support for in-school program
What support is provided to JA consultants?
The school teacher normally assigned to the classroom within which you are working is required to remain in the classroom for the entire period. It is their responsibility to administer discipline, if needed. In addition, there are JA staff professionals assigned to all JA schools. They are available for consultation when needed.

Selection of semester
Who determines what semester a JA facilitator is active?
The school communicates their desire for JA to the JA office. All JA facilitator volunteers determine when and how frequently they would like to be active. Some facilitators are active both semesters a year, other facilitators select either Fall semester or Spring semester.

JA Contact
Who do I call at JA if I have questions, suggestions, or concerns?
Tina George, JA Volunteer Coordinator, can be reached at (317) 252-5900 extension 203. Tina's email address is Tina@jaindy.org. The JA mailing address is 7435 N. Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46240.