Q: What is Junior Achievement?
A: Junior Achievement is part of an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to partnering the business and education communities. JA offers cost free, curriculum enhancing programs delivered by trained and inspiring volunteers who share their practical experience to equip students with the necessary skills to enter tomorrow’s workforce and to face their futures with confidence.

Q: Who funds Junior Achievement?
A: Junior Achievement is funded largely by corporate sponsors who believe in the mission and vision of JA. Junior Achievement periodically receives generous government grants to advance the delivery of our programs as well as relying on contributions from individual donors.

Q: How do the schools get involved with Junior Achievement?
A: Junior Achievement has a strong and successful relationship with the public, private and catholic school boards in Toronto, York, Peel & Simcoe. At the beginning of each school year, schools are sent information packages and registration forms for JA programs. It is up to the teacher to determine whether or not a JA program will be delivered in his/her classroom.

Q: What does JA look for in a volunteer?
A: Junior Achievement volunteers are the key to the success of the organization. JA volunteers come from all areas of business and must bring with them commitment, experience, perspective and most importantly, enthusiasm.

Q: I want to volunteer but how do I select the program that is best suited for me?
A: JA encourages volunteers to review all of the programs we offer (refer to the Program Grid) and to consider your own skills, strengths, interest and availability. Consider the age group you would like to work with, as well as your schedule and areas of expertise. Remember - no matter which program you choose you will make a difference!

Q: I don’t have a specific business background – am I still qualified to volunteer?
A: Most definitely. Junior Achievement’s main focus is to provide students with the skills they need to face their futures with confidence. JA programs are aimed at introducing preliminary business concepts to students and encouraging them to appreciate the benefits of ongoing education. You have already done this so you’re already an expert!

Q: Once I have selected a program of interest how do I get involved?
A: Once you have chosen your preferred program please fill out a volunteer application form and send it to Junior Achievement. Make sure to fill out all of your information so we can ensure that you are properly recognized.

Q: I’ve sent in my application form, now what?
A: Upon receipt of your application form you will be contacted by one of JA’s Program Managers. You can expect to hear back from JA within three to five business days. The Program Manager will guide you through the process of training and in-class delivery. Depending on your time schedule, it typically takes at least four weeks before you are in a classroom.

Q: I have never presented a program to students before – can I still volunteer?
A: ABSOLUTELY! All of Junior Achievement’s volunteers go through program-specific training sessions lead by one of JA’s talented & experienced Program Managers. Throughout your training session you will be given tips on how to facilitate the program, relate to the students and how to prepare for your delivery.

Q: Can I go into the classroom with a partner or do I have to go alone?
A: Many volunteers choose to partner with someone else, particularly our first time volunteers. If you do want a partner, JA encourages you to recruit a colleague, client, family member, or friend to deliver the program with you as JA cannot guarantee that we will have a partner for you. Once you have experience under your belt, delivering a program on your own is easy, fun and a great way to help us reach more students.

Q: Can I choose the area where I want to deliver the program?
A: On the volunteer application form we do ask you to select a location preference. JA does deliver programs in all areas, however delivering a program in any area is subject to the availability of the teachers and as such we cannot guarantee that you will be delivering in any specific area. We encourage you to select a few areas in which you are willing to volunteer. If you live in the city and rely on public transit please specify that on your form and we will do our best to book you into a school that is accessible by transit.

Q: Once I become a volunteer how much time do I have to commit to JA?
A: Your commitment to Junior Achievement is largely based on the program you choose to be involved with. However, regardless of the program, volunteers are all expected to attend the scheduled training sessions (2-3 hours depending on program choice) that are held throughout the year at the JA offices. With the exception of JA’s Company Program, all of the programs are delivered during school hours and as such, volunteers are committed to delivering the program during the workday. Volunteers are also expected to take the time (after training) to re-read through the materials and prepare for the in-class program delivery. The exact time commitment differs for each volunteer and program (for detailed information on program commitments please contact a JA Program Manager, 416-360-5252).

Q: What happens after my volunteer commitment is finished?
A: Upon completion of a JA program each volunteer is recognized with a certificate of appreciation and a thank you letter. Letters verifying your participation in JA can also be sent to your employer upon request.

Q: Can I volunteer more than once in a school year?
A: OF COURSE! If your time allows, JA would be happy to have you as a volunteer, again and again.

Q: If I volunteer for a program that I have already delivered, do I need to attend the training session again?
A: Not necessarily. If you are an experienced volunteer who has already attended a training session and been in the classroom, you do not need to attend a second training session for the same program unless you feel that a “refresher” is needed.

Q: Are there other ways to volunteer for Junior Achievement?
A: If volunteering your time during the day does not work with your schedule or you are not interested in teaching a program, there are various times throughout the year where other volunteer opportunities arise, such as helping out with administrative work in our office, working on special event projects or joining one of JA’s respected advisory committees. For further information on these types of volunteer opportunities please call one of JA’s Program Managers.

Return to About our Charter | Return to Home