Volunteer with JA
Help bring essential JA education to local students
New to JA?
Create your account here to start your JA volunteer journey!
Are you a current volunteer?
View and sign up for current volunteer opportunities
Why Volunteer with JA?
As a JA Volunteer you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people while utilizing and further developing your leadership, mentorship and public speaking skills. JA provides all of the program materials, training and support so that your volunteer experience is fun, engaging, meaningful, and as easy as possible.
Volunteering with JA programs is a rewarding experience.
JA Volunteers make a Difference
Volunteers come to JA individually or through their organizations and generously give their time to inspire and prepare youth for a successful future. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds but all share a desire to help students achieve their highest potential.
JA Staff are here to help you navigate the volunteer registration and onboarding process.
- Complete a Volunteer Registration Form
Submit the form and JA staff will connect to guide you through the next steps. - Determine the Volunteer Role(s) that Suit you Best
JA staff will work with you to find the JA program(s) that match your interests, skills, and availabilities. - Complete our Volunteer Screening Protocol
Our volunteer screening measures are in place to ensure a safe JA experience for all students, volunteers, and others involved. Specific requirements vary by volunteer role so our staff will help make sure you know exactly what needs to be completed. - Train and Prepare for a Volunteer Opportunity
Our volunteer training modules and detailed program materials will provide you with everything you need for a fun and impactful experience with students. - Sign Up for a Specific Program Delivery Our volunteer training modules and detailed program materials will provide you with everything you need for a fun and impactful experience with students.
We are looking for volunteers who:
- Enjoy working with and mentoring young people
- Are comfortable presenting in an engaging way to a class or group of students
- Have a good command of the English language
- Are organized, committed, flexible, and patient
- Are willing to share their experience; Business knowledge is helpful, but not required
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Program Facilitator
Visit a local elementary or high school classroom to facilitate one of JA’s financial health, entrepreneurship, or work readiness programs. JA will provide you with all the lesson plans and materials for a fun and engaging day of learning supported by the classroom teacher.
Time Commitment:
4-6 hours
Format:
In-person
World of Choices Career Mentor
Share your career journey with students and inspire them as they plan their own future careers. Volunteers tell stories, share words of advice and engage in a Q&A with students. World of Choices events are scheduled throughout the school year. You can sign up to take part in as many events as you like!
Time Commitment:
1-4 hours
Format:
In-person or virtual
Company Program Mentor
Support and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders through the exciting JA Company Program experience. Volunteer mentors work in teams to support a group of outstanding high school students as they design, plan, launch and run their own business.
Time Commitment:
2-3 hours weekly for 18 weeks
Format:
In-person or virtual
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!
What is the time commitment for a JA Volunteer?
Time commitments vary depending on the program you are volunteering with and your role. For example:
| Volunteer Role | Approximate Time Commitment |
| In-School Program Volunteer | 4-6 hours per session |
| World of Choices Career Mentor – virtual World of Choices Career Mentor – in-person | 30 minutes per session 2-3 hours (includes multiple sessions) |
| Company Program Mentor | 2-3 hours/week for 18 weeks |
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.
For the after-school Company Program, volunteers work in small teams and are expected to attend at least 80% of the 18 weekly team meetings. 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
