With health and safety measures in place, educators have warmly welcomed back JABC volunteers to facilitate programs in-person this school year. So far, 82 elementary and high school programs have been led by volunteers in classrooms, inspiring 1,954 students all across B.C. A year ago at this time all programs were delivered online.
“Thank you so much for helping us and guiding us through the work and teaching me lots of things like how to be a great entrepreneur… You are a great and kind person, thank you a lot. Trust me you will be on Santa’s nice list.”
– Humraj, Kelowna student
The most in-demand elementary school program this fall is Business of Our Own. This unique program gives students in grades 6-8 the hands on learning experience of planning and operating a retail business. This year, many schools were able to have in-class pitch presentations with volunteer judges and even host holiday in-school sales.
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Images above are from Business of Our Own programs this fall 2021.
  • (Left) Volunteer Marvelee P. and students at Journey Middle School, Victoria, B.C. These students teamed up and brainstormed impressive business ideas including a clothing line, a support website & much more. They pitched their ideas to volunteer judges.
  • (Top) Volunteer Jesper E. and students at Pacific Way Elementary School, Kelowna, B.C. As a class, their retail business idea was Movember and holiday themed face masks.
  • (Bottom & Right) Beeswax food wraps and holiday wreath from school sale at Colquitz Middle School, Victoria, B.C. Educator Ms. Helton is the Sustainable Resources teacher at the school, and all the products the students created are environmentally responsible.
Learn more about JA’s Business of Our Own and the skills students learn through this experience at jabc.org/BOO.
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Volunteer facilitators, particularly in-person, are in very high demand in 2022. Of all the JA programs delivered so far, 41% are either facilitated or supported by JABC volunteers. Learn more about becoming a volunteer for this or another JA program at jabc.org/volunteer.