Make a difference in a student’s life

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back? Volunteer with Junior Achievement! You can help students dream big and get ready for the real world. By sharing just a little of your time, you’ll show kids they matter—and that their future does, too.

No teaching experience? No problem! Just bring your energy, your story, and a smile. We’ll take care of the rest.

Individual volunteer opportunities

Volunteer inquiry form

JA Career Speaker® – classroom

JA Career Speaker volunteers visit a classroom one or more times to present their personal education and career story to the students, with plenty of opportunities for Q&A. 

You can sign up as an individual or as part of a group of volunteers.

What is it like to be a Career Speaker?

JA Biztown® – Learning Center (Columbus or newark)

After learning about money, businesses, and jobs at school, 5th graders enjoy a visit to JA BizTown at either our Columbus or Newark Learning Center, where they experience being an adult for the day. Volunteers guide students as they operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor, helping students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world. 

What is it like to volunteer for JA BizTown?
Students in JA BizTown Townsquare JA BizTown Newark Students Working at McDonalds

JA Finance Park® – Learning Center (Columbus or Newark)

Educators first teach personal finance lessons to their middle or high school classes. Then students are immersed in a simulation at either the Columbus or Newark Learning Center, where they experience making grown-up decisions while attempting to stick to a budget. Students are assigned a persona that includes educational background, career choice, income, debt, and family make up, and move through the simulation by making purchasing decisions along the way.

What is it like to volunteer for JA Finance Park?
JA Finance Park with Volunteer JA Finance Park Columbus

Why Volunteer with JA?

  • Plant the Seeds of Success: 88% of JA Alumni say the experience played a role in shaping their career path.
  • No Experience Needed: We give you everything you need. You just show up ready to help.
  • It Fits Your Life: Choose what works for you, one class, one day, or more.
  • Your Story Matters: You don’t need to be an expert, just someone who’s walked a path. Your story can spark a student’s next step.
Volunteer inquiry form

Please fill out the below form and a member of our Volunteer team will reach out to you shortly.

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Have you volunteered with JA of Central Ohio before?