Program Facilitator
Help bring essential JA education to local students.
What would you tell your younger self about financial management?
Do you have career or education advice you wish someone had shared with you?
Inspire and empower enquiring minds by volunteering with JA!
JA Program Facilitators join a class in person to deliver one of JA’s financial health, entrepreneurship, or work readiness programs by using a mix of hands-on activities, discussions, and digital learning to engage students. JA provides volunteers with all the lesson plans and materials for a fun and engaging day of learning supported by the classroom teacher. With your help, students gain the knowledge and confidence they need to define their personal success and go after their dreams.
Responsibilities & Activities
- Volunteer on your own or with a volunteer partner to facilitate the program for the class.
- Lead class discussions and involve students in activities.
- Prepare for the sessions.
- Communicate with the host teacher, volunteer partner and JA Program Manager in a timely manner.
Role Environment
Facilitators work in classroom settings with groups of approximately 25–30 students during regular school hours; programs run throughout the school year from September to June.
Average Time Commitment
- Group Training: 1-1.5 hours
- Preparation: 2-4 hours
- Classroom Visit: 4-5 hours
- Total: 7-10.5 hours
Skills, Experience and Traits Desired
A solid understanding of basic business concepts and financial management, including budgeting, saving, entrepreneurship fundamentals, and real-world money skills, with the ability to communicate these ideas in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
JA South Western Ontario needs in-class program facilitator volunteers for the following JA programs:
More than Money – Grade 4
Early financial lessons set students up for lifelong stability. JA More than Money teaches earning, spending, sharing, and saving to build strong money skills.
Dollars with Sense- Grade 7
JA Dollars With Sense equips students with money management skills to make smart choices, avoid debt, and start building financial confidence they can use right away.
Economics for Success – Grade 8
JA Economics for Success gives students the opportunity to see the value of education, build a budget, and explore skills for today’s workforce, linking school to future goals and success.
Success Skills – Grade 8-12
In Success Skills, students define personal success, learn communication techniques, and build a toolkit of transferable skills to thrive in school, work, and life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up to volunteer with JA?
Click HERE to sign up for an account on JA SWO’s Community Portal and complete the Volunteer Registration Form! Once you have registered, JA Staff will follow up to schedule a virtual interview and help determine the best fit for you and JA.
How do I decide which program is best suited for me?
Prior to registering as a volunteer with JA, review the programs we offer and make note of any that you are interested in. When you complete the online volunteer interest form, you will be connected with a JA Program Manager who will discuss the opportunities available with you and help determine which programs will be the best fit based on your interests, background knowledge and experience, and scheduling availability. If you are interested, you may wish to become involved with more than one program or event!
Can I get involved in more than one program?
Yes! If you are interested in getting involved in more than one JA program type, you can indicate this in your registration or reach out to your JA Program Manager, who will be happy to help connect you with more JA opportunities.
How often am I expected to volunteer?
For our school-based programs, you can volunteer as often as you like or are able. There is no minimum expectation from JA; however, we recommend volunteering with at least 2 classes per school year.
We ask you to communicate with your team and with JA when you can’t attend so that we can ensure students have the support and supervision required.
How do you schedule volunteers?
JA reaches out to our volunteers periodically as opportunities become available. If you express interest in a particular program, school or date, we’ll work with you and the teacher involved to coordinate. You can also view a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up for specific classes/events HERE.
What if I have more questions?
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
Well worth the time! JA allows us to give back to the community in a safe, effective, educational manner.
– Hansen, JA Dollars with Sense Volunteer
