JA BizTown logo JA BizTown® is a simulated town run by students, helping them to connect the dots between what they learn in the classroom and how those lessons are applied in the real world.

Grades 4-6

are recommended for this popular learning experience.

12

in-class, teacher-led sessions and 1 in-class session after the simulation.

hour visit to JA BizTown®. There are more than 100+ job roles for students to choose from.

About JA BizTown®

JA BizTown® merges classroom curriculum with hands-on experience in a fully interactive space simulating a bustling community. With 21 storefronts representing key industries, students explore roles as business owners and consumers, applying financial principles in real-world scenarios. This program offers a glimpse into various careers, fosters community engagement, and sparks aspirations for a bright future. 92% of educators agree that JA BizTown® students are more likely to continue their education and choose a career based on their interests and abilities.

Workforce Readiness

Participants apply and interview for jobs, work at and patronize JA BizTown® storefronts, and learn the importance of operating as a team.

Financial Literacy

Students earn a paycheck, pay taxes, and work together to repay their business’s start-up loan as part of the simulated economy.

Entrepreneurship

Young people experience what it’s like to start and run a business, manage staff and customers, and complete business transactions.

Educators

Educators are key to JA BizTown®’s success, teaching 12 in-class sessions before the simulation, laying the groundwork for an enriching, engaging experience.

Volunteers

Volunteers are essential in bringing JA BizTown® to life. They share their career experiences and help students make key decisions in running their businesses and achieving success.

From our
Community

Here’s what students and educators have to say about JA BizTown®.

Become A Partner

Partners have a unique opportunity to showcase their company’s culture, values, products, and more through storefront sponsorship, volunteering and additional recognition opportunities.

Host An Event

JA BizTown® is available to rent for team-building workshops, community events, conferences, and meetings. This 3,000 sq. ft. space is the perfect venue to promote collaboration, inspire creativity and host your next gathering.

FAQs

There is a nominal cost for student participation, and there is no cost for teachers or volunteers. JA offers scholarship opportunities for eligible groups.

We’re proud to foster a creative and enthusiastic environment for all types of groups including, but not limited to, public and private schools, home school groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, students with developmental or physical differences, and community groups.

View an example of the JA BizTown® curriculum here.

There are thirteen 45-minute in-class sessions. Twelve sessions are completed prior to the JA BizTown® simulation with one follow-up session.

We encourage schools to bring their own volunteers to JA BizTown®. Potential volunteer sources include parents, high school students or community members. Check out our volunteer page for additional information.

For a typical simulation, the minimum is 70 and the maximum is 130. For groups below the minimum threshold, we can combine groups or plan a smaller simulation.

Please email Experiential Learning Center Administrator, Andrea Imro to schedule your JA BizTown® simulation.

If you have your own day, 21+ volunteers are needed. If you share the day with another school, the number of volunteers depends on the number of shops that are assigned to your school.

All new teachers to the program are required to attend a teacher training. We also offer refresher trainings for returning teachers.

All new volunteers to the program are required to attend a volunteer training and complete an online code of conduct and media release form.

Once you secure a JA BizTown® date, you will receive a “Welcome Email” with all the details of the program and the link to the Educator Portal that provides you with everything you will need for the program.

Become an Educator

While working at #1 Cochran, the team will be running the car dealership. Employees will work together to find car deals, schedule service repairs, and sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Accessory Expert
  • Service Advisor
  • Digital Sales Advisor

While working at 100.7 Star, the team will be broadcasting live in JA BizTown®! Employees will play popular hits, run advertisements, give citizens the chance to spin the wheel for a prize, and sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • DJ
  • Ad Executive
  • Promotional Director

While working at ALCOSAN, the team will test water samples located throughout JA BizTown®. Businesses will be billed for wastewater treatment services to maintain a clean environment in BizTown and ensure the safety of its citizens.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Chemist
  • Field Technician

While working at Ansys, the team will design and build a bridge! Employees will use engineering software and various materials, then sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Application Engineer
  • Salesperson
  • Marketing Manager

While working at Buchanan City Hall, the team will protect and govern the citizens of JA BizTown®. Government officials will conduct voting, enforce laws, and ensure the safety and security of BizTown. Storefronts will be billed for business licenses.

Job Roles

  • Attorney
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Mayor
  • Treasurer

While working at Burns Scalo, employees will manage the storefront properties in JA BizTown®. They will complete orders for maintenance requests throughout the day and bill all businesses in JA BizTown® for rent.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Leasing Agent
  • Property Manager

While working at Carmeuse, employees will mine and identify gems, utilize a 3D printer, and sell items during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Sales Associate 
  • Field Service Engineer 
 

While working at Clearview, employees will assist the citizens of JA BizTown® with their banking needs. They will approve business loan applications, check account balances, manage deposits and withdrawals, and distribute awards to businesses who paid off their loans.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Financial Center Manager
  • Financial Center Assistant Manager
  • Financial Experience Advisor 

While working at Eriez, employees will be conduct safety tests to detect and remove hidden metals from our food. Additionally, they will sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Sales Manager
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Production Manager

While working at EQT, employees will write grants for qualifying JA BizTown® storefronts and bill businesses for energy use.

Job Roles

  • President
  • Treasurer
  • Community Relations Manager
  • Social Media Manager 

While working at FedEx, employees will be ensuring all business orders are received, filled, and delivered throughout the day. Additionally, they will sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Delivery Driver
  • Package Handler
  • Senior Manager

While working at Giant Eagle, employees will work together to operate the supermarket and pharmacy. The team will stock shelves, inventory products, prepare first aid kits, and sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Grocery Team Leader
  • Pharmacy Leader
  • Service Team Leader

While working at Gordon Food Service, employees will sample food products to citizens of JA BizTown®, bill businesses for the purchase and delivery of products, and sell items during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Culinary Marketing Specialist
  • Diesel Mechanic/HVAC Technician
  • Sales Representative
  • Warehouse Associate

While working at Highmark, employees are selling health insurance to the citizens of JA BizTown®. Additionally, the Highmark team partakes in community outreach and chooses a non-profit to benefit from the citizens of JA BizTown’s® charitable donations!

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Chief Medical Officer
  • Insurance Agent
  • Community Outreach Coordinator

While working at Koppers, employees operate a chemistry lab to create and test the quality of their item to sell during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Chemist
  • Engineer
  • Safety and Quality Manager
  • Salesperson

While working at Mascaro, employees will be building a bench for the citizens of JA BizTown® and selling an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Business Development Associate
  • Superintendent
  • Tradesperson

While working at MSA, employees will be construct and test safety products, search for safety violations in JA BizTown®, and sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Production Supervisor
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Safety Manager

While working at Sheetz, employees manage and clean the dining area in JA BizTown® and sell items during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Sales Manager
  • Food and Beverage Manager
  • Team Member

While working at UPMC, employees will be providing health care services for JA BizTown® citizens. Patients will receive a complimentary gift after their exams. UPMC will bill their patients and sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Medical Assistance
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • X-Ray Technologist

While working at USA Staffing, employees will recruit JA BizTown® citizens through questionnaires that determine their interests in employment. Citizens will have the opportunity to shadow other positions of interest. Employees will also sell an item during the shopping period.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Recruiter
  • Sales Manager

While working at Vector Security, employees will activate security panels in each of the storefronts in JA BizTown®. They will promote their systems through a demonstration, and citizens who participate in the demonstration will receive a complimentary gift. All businesses in JA BizTown® will be billed for Vector Security’s services.

Job Roles

  • CEO
  • CFO
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Sales Representative
  • Technician

Become a Partner

Host An Event