JA programs bring real-world learning experiences into the classroom.
Through alliances with educators and the dedication of volunteers, JA British Columbia (JABC) delivers hands on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial health and entrepreneurship. JA programs are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of JABC donors and sponsors. JABC has been proudly serving students across British Columbia for over 65 years.
JA programs are:
Aligned with B.C.’s curriculum
Provided free of charge
Available all year to schools, communities and organizations
Presented in-class or online
Offered with flexible delivery options
Supplemented with printed or digital resources at no cost
Available in French (some exceptions)
More Than Money
Grades 4-5 (4 hours)
Introduces students to critical money management, including earning, saving, and spending. They learn to create a business plan, estimate start-up costs, track finances, and explore essential decision-making skills for success.
Curriculum Match: Math, English, Career Education
Our Business World
Grades 5-6 (4 hours)
Helps students explore business creation and success through games and multimedia. They learn about innovation, startups, self-employment, and the impact of businesses on the community and also the environment.
Curriculum Match: Math, English, Career Education
Business of Our Own
Grades 6-8 (4 hours)
Students gain hands-on experience in business planning using a model canvas to identify their product, target market, and resources. An optional in-school sale or pitch presentation enhances the learning experience.
Curriculum Match: ADST Math, Career Education
Economics for Success
Grades 8-10 (4 hours)
Helps students connect education to achieving goals by mapping career clusters, creating a budget, and exploring post-secondary options. This inspires them to plan for success and make informed decisions about their future.
Curriculum Match: Math, Career Education
Investment Strategies
Grades 10-12 (4-6 hours)
Students learn to save and invest for their future by exploring financial terms, researching stocks, building a portfolio, and participating in the Stock Market Challenge, an optional online simulation offered nationally four times a year.
Curriculum Match: ADST, Math, Career Education
Success Skills
Grades 8-10 (2-6 hours)
Helps students develop communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills for success. This interactive program prepares them for the working world, increasing resilience and improving outcomes in challenging situations.
Curriculum Match: Career Education
Personal Finance
Grades 11-12 (4 hours)
Students learn personal finance essentials including spending wisely, budgeting, saving, investing, and using credit. By program’s end, they will have a personal finance plan and clear goals to help them plan their future financial security.
Curriculum Match: Math, Career Education
Chat with an Investment Professional
Grades 8-12 (45-60 mins.)
Students learn from an investment professional, gaining insights into the rewards of investing for both short-term needs and long-term goals, with opportunities to explore potential careers in the financial field.
Curriculum Match: Career Education
NEW! Pick My Brain
Grades K-12 (30-60 mins.)
Students explore different careers through this unique online speaker platform, where volunteers share job insights, experiences, and stories to inspire and guide them. Sessions can be booked for 30, 45, or 60 minutes to fit classroom schedules.
Curriculum Match: Career Education
JA Company Program
Grades 10-12 (10-16 weeks)
A hands-on experience that inspires students to create and operate business ventures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They develop teamwork, decision-making, and critical thinking skills valuable for their future.
Curriculum Match: ADST, Career Education
Capstone Experiences
JABC TechWorks
Grades 6-12 (1.5 hours)
Through guest speakers and activities, students explore the expanding career opportunities in B.C.’s tech sector and beyond. They learn about the education, skills, and forward-thinking mindset needed to succeed in these future jobs.
Curriculum Match: Career Education
World of Choices
Grades 6-12 (60 mins.)
NEW FORMAT! Students refine their career goals through this online, multi-class program featuring guest speakers. It includes a Q&A and optional self-directed activities, with monthly topics based on Work BC’s High Opportunity Occupations.
Curriculum Match: ADST, Career Education
Discover Your Pitch
Grades 9-12 (6+ hours)
Students participate in valuable workshops and practice sessions to enhance their business knowledge and presentation skills. The top teams then pitch their business ideas to a panel of esteemed leaders for cash prizes.
Curriculum Match: ADST, Career Education
Personal Budgeting Module
Grades 8-12 (45 mins.)
Students connect with financial experts to explore essential budgeting and expense management concepts. They gain insights into pay stubs, income, and deductions, in a virtual, live interactive session designed to enhance financial literacy.
Curriculum Match: Math, Career Education
