Junior Achievement brings ‘JA in a Day’ to the WSD

Financial literacy met career planning last week in the Wentzville School District as Junior Achievement teamed up with MasterCard to offer the “JA in a Day” program.

JA in a Day helps to facilitate a partnership between companies and local schools to educate and inspire students about what it takes to succeed in the workplace. Almost 200 volunteers from MasterCard spent the day in classrooms at Heritage Intermediate, Discovery Ridge Elementary, and Wentzville Middle School helping to instruct more than 2,000 students.

“We really enjoy the opportunity share our time with area students,” said MasterCard volunteer Ian Eshelman. “The curriculum designed and produced by Junior Achievement keeps the kids engaged all day and helps them learn important lessons.”

Students experienced a day filled with hands-on learning concepts including work readiness, financial responsibility, and entrepreneurship.

Eighth-grader Jacob Eisenhauer appreciated the glimpse into his future. “I think it really prepares you to go into business, what you need to know and how to make a profit,” Jacob said. “We’re not really that far off from going out into the world and having to do this for real, so it’s a really good opportunity and I’m glad we get to do this.”

The program also offers business people the opportunity to share their experience and expertise with students. “MasterCard employees look forward to supporting JA in a Day each year,” said Tom Britt. “It’s a great opportunity to help kids understand the important concepts of financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurism, and how these lessons and skills will play a role in their futures.”

At the end of the school day, students who had completed all five grade-level Junior Achievement lessons earned their JA certificate.