High School Programs

Investment Strategies Program (ISP)

*Program available virtually

The earlier youth learn financial literacy, the more likely they are to invest and save later in life. Recent U.S. research has found that “people who have had financial education participate more often in retirement programs, make larger contributions and have a much higher savings rate than others”.

JA’s Investment Strategies program (ISP) teaches students how to save and invest for the future. The program includes both interactive classroom lessons and an online stock market simulation, Invest JA, where students manage their own simulated stock portfolio. The simulation is linked to live data from North American stock markets and is an exciting, risk-free way for students to apply the investing principles they learn in the program.

Programs Details

Level: Grade 8 – 12

Commitment: 4 one hour lessons, 6 week simulation

Program Format: Teacher-led, Project-based

Economics for Success

*Program available virtually

For many students, the transition from high school to post-secondary education or employment can be overwhelming. Students often feel that their high-school experiences haven’t adequately prepared them to meet the demands of university, a career, or living on their own.

In Economics for Success, students take a closer look at the advantages of staying in school, as well as learn what’s needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Volunteers from the local business community partner with classroom teachers to help students see the link between education and achieving their goals. A third-party study found that over 65% of past Achievers credit JA with their decision to stay in school and enrol in post-secondary education, 75% believe JA had a significant impact on their financial-literacy, decision-making skills, and business sense.

Programs Details

Level: Grades 8-10

Note: This program is suitable for students up to Grade 12.

Commitment: Half Day

Program Format: Teacher Led or Volunteer-led

AB Curriculum Links: Math, Social Studies, Career & Life Management, Health & Life Skill / CTF

Be Entrepreneurial

*Program available virtually

The “Be Entrepreneurial” program teaches that owning an entrepreneurial venture can start in high school. All it takes is recognizing the talent and practices used by successful entrepreneurs and role models. Encouraging the next generation to think about being their own boss and running a venture is easy when all the tools and information are being taught by industry leaders.

Programs Details

Level: Grade 10-12

Commitment: Four 45-minute lessons

Program Format: Teacher-led

Curriculum Links: Leadership, Management, Marketing, Finance, CALM, CTS

Company Program

*Program available virtually

The cornerstone of Junior Achievement, the JA Company Program sees groups of students work together to operate their own business venture.  The Company Program may run in-school or as an after-school activity.

Programs Details

Level: Grade 8 – 12

Commitment: 18 weeks

Program Format: Project-Based

Personal Finance

*Program available virtually

Personal Finance is a financial literacy subject for high-schoolers.  Students will learn important money management skills, including key elements of personal finance such as: spending wisely, budgeting, saving, investing, and using credit.

Programs Details

Level: Grade 10-12

Commitment: Four 45-minute lessons

Program Format: Teacher-led

Curriculum Links: Leadership, Management, Marketing, Finance, CALM, CTS

Success Skills

*Program available virtually

What are the success skills it take to be prosperous in today’s rapidly changing work environment? Posed to high school students, this question is answered through peer learning and examines what different skill sets are required to be successful in the workforce.

Programs Details

Level: Grade 10-12

Commitment: Half-day

Program Format: Teacher-led

Curriculum Links: Leadership, Management, CALM, CTS

World of Choices

*Program available virtually

World of Choices brings students together with career mentors working in desired fields, industries, and professions.  In small sessions, students learn first-hand what it takes to be successful.  Each student can participate in interactive sessions that will open up a world of choices for Canadian youth.

Programs Details

Level: Grade 8 – 12

Commitment: Half Day

Program Format: Event-Style, volunteer-led