Why Volunteer
The Power of showing up
Volunteering with JA gives you the chance to shape a young person’s future in a way few experiences can. When you share your story, your skills, and your lived wisdom, you help students see possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves. You become the voice that encourages them, the example that inspires them, and the person who helps them connect their potential to real-world opportunity. Your presence can spark confidence, ignite curiosity, and create moments students will carry with them long after the program ends. When you volunteer, you’re not just giving your time — you’re giving a young person the belief that their future is worth dreaming about.
Become a Champion for youth
IN-CLASS VOLUNTEER
In-School Program Presenters bring JA’s engaging, hands-on lessons directly into classrooms. Using our ready-to-go materials, you’ll lead interactive activities that teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills. Whether it’s showing students how to budget, explore career options, or think like innovators, your time in the classroom makes a lasting impact—and sparks curiosity that can shape their futures.
COMMITMENT
- 1 hour of training
- 2.5 hours in-class teaching
COMPANY PROGRAM MENTOR
As a Company Program Mentor, you’ll guide high school students through the exciting process of launching and running their own business. From brainstorming product ideas to navigating marketing and sales, your expertise and encouragement help students develop real-world skills, confidence, and resilience. It’s a chance to share your professional experience, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, and witness first-hand the creativity and determination of today’s youth.
COMMITMENT
- 1.5 hour Mentor Training
- 3 hours/week for 18 weeks
- 30 mins prep for each meeting
- Attend CP events (Optional)
EVENT SPEAKER
As a featured speaker, you’ll share your personal career journey with students, helping them see the diverse paths available to them. By offering insights into your profession, the challenges you’ve faced, and the lessons you’ve learned, you’ll help young people connect their education to future goals. Your story can ignite ambition, build confidence, and empower students to take the next steps toward their dreams.
COMMITMENT
- 30 minute prep discussion prior to event start
- 1 to 4 hours at the event
Book an Orientation to see where you fit
Are You a Returning Volunteer?
Volunteer With Your Workplace
Bring your colleagues together to make a difference! Volunteering with JA as a workplace team is a unique way to give back while building stronger connections with your coworkers. Whether leading an in-school program, mentoring a Company Program team, or supporting a JA event, your team will inspire and equip students with the skills they need for success. It’s a rewarding experience that strengthens teamwork, boosts morale, and leaves a lasting impact on the next generation.
Long term impact
Hear from those whose lives have been transformed through our programs — students both past and present.
World of Choices Career Speaker Sonia Mosele
Sonia Mosele is a long-time World of Choices speaker and Manager of Financial Planning at RBC who proudly wears her RBC apparel as she shares her career journey with students. Sonia has already volunteered for four World of Choices events this school year. Thank you, Sonia!
Team building JA days
Each year ATCO sends out a large group of staff to take over two schools to deliver JA programming. We call these ATCO, JA days and the corporate and volunteer support ensures hundreds of students each year get to participate in JA programming!
In -School programming volunteers Shannon and Denise
Shannon Shideler and Denise Armstrong stepped up from Servus to bring More than Money into the classroom. They shared their financial insight and expertise will a class room of eager students.
FAQs
Ready to get involved, but have a few questions?
Check out our FAQ section for quick answers to help you understand what volunteering with us is all about. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Still have questions?
What is the time commitment to volunteer for JA?
That’s up to you! Time commitments vary depending on the program you choose. Mentoring youth during the school day is typically 1-4 hours. Our after-school Company Program is 3 hours, once a week, for 18 weeks, although this can be split among multiple mento
How often am I expected to volunteer?
We appreciate any time you can provide to help empower and inspire young people. You can volunteer once, or come back again and again. We want your JA experience to be worthwhile, fun and convenient, so you can choose the days and times you give back to your community.
How much preparation time is required?
JA’s programs to classrooms of Grades 3-12 students require 2 hours of training that we will provide you with. You’ll want to practice and review the activities on your own for at least 1 hour a well. It is important that JA volunteers appear confident and prepared in front of students. Good mentors give clear instructions, manage time, and know how to link one activity to the next – and that’s easy to do with a little preparation and planning!
For JA World of Choices career mentors, you will be presenting about your industry and your personal career path. You preparation can be as intensive or light as you are comfortable with. Be prepared for lots of questions as we know students are all very curious about what their futures may hold. Props are always popular too.
What support will I receive?
Your initial orientation will help you determine what program, age group and level of involvement would be the best fit for you.
Each volunteer works with a JA Program staff member who will recommend an opportunity for mentorship that best matches your interests, skill set and availability. JA will also give you all the materials you’ll need for a truly impactful, rewarding and fun session with students. Our team is here to support you, answer all your questions and give specific information about the particular JA programs you sign up. All JA program deliveries involve at least two volunteers, so don’t worry, you won’t be going it alone (and are welcome to invite a friend or colleague to join you!)
What qualifications or career background do I need?
Most JA programs can be led by volunteers with general life experience and some sort of business experience. Our volunteers come from many different sectors from insurance to tourism, retail to construction, trades people to I-T, just to name a few. JA mentors are experienced executives or those just starting their careers… and don’t forget retirees. We have a wide range of volunteers!
Can post-secondary students volunteer?
Yes, we encourage post-secondary students to participate. JA students love learning from younger mentors too. Being a JA volunteer is also a great way to gain valuable leadership skills, practice public speaking and time management yourself.
Do you provide lesson plans and materials?
Yes, JA provides all the materials you will need to deliver the lessons. During your training session you will receive your own Program Guide for Teachers and Volunteers. This is your guide to follow and make your own helpful notes in. On the day of the program JA provides kits for students that includes things name cards, student workbooks and certificates for completing the activity.
What is the in-class experience like?
Class sizes vary from 15 to 38 depending on the school and grade. Our World of Choices career events may involve many classes, but you only speak to youth in small groups of 8-24. A teacher will be in the classroom at all times to assist with class management. You’ll also have at least one JA employee or volunteer helping too!
How else can I support JA?
Help us expand our reach! If you’d like to see JA programs in a particular school, we invite you to ask the principal or a teacher or contact a member of our program team.
Or give to support JA’s ability to continue to offer our programs free of charge to schools & students. To make an impact and inspire future entrepreneurs, please donate today!
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest news right to your inbox.