How Did You Get Involved with JA of Middle Tennessee?
In 2024, our daughter Olivia got to experience JA BizTown with her fourth grade class and I (Victoria) got to serve as a parent volunteer. The experience was incredible for both of us! We toured the entire facility that day and learned about JA's plans to expand programming in Murfreesboro, TN! As residents of Murfreesboro, we were THRILLED to hear this!
We fully support Junior Achievement and would love to see a second facility in Rutherford County one day. This would mean more kids from Rutherford County and the surrounding communities would get to experience JA's impactful programs without having to travel to Nashville.
Olivia's Experience in JA BizTown
Olivia's elementary school has been participating in JA BizTown for more than 8 years! Every fourth grade class receives 13+ hours of in-class learning in preparation of their day-long visit to the simulated town. Olivia and her peers got to role play as professionals - having a job, helping their business pay off their business loan, writing checks, and ultimately connecting what they learn in school to the real world.
During the in-class portion of the program, students experienced what it is like to apply and interview for the job they want in JA BizTown. Olivia set her sights on becoming the Environmental Specialist for JA BizTown's City Hall. Her elementary school recruited a few community volunteers to act as interviewers, and Olivia was interviewed by the Mayor of Murfreesboro, Shane McFarland!
When she found out she landed her dream job, she asked to go shopping for a suit so she could look the part. This marked her first time owning a suit jacket and serves as a reminder of this event. We know her experience in JA BizTown will be one that she remembers forever.
One Thing We Wish Others Knew About JA
The way JA programs help kids explore career options is AMAZING! Olivia got to explore a career that no one in our family has chosen and it has opened up her world to explore other options. We know her JA experiences are increasing her ability to chose what she wants to do in life and what would be fulfilling for her.
With Rutherford County being the fourth largest school district in the state, we want to ensure more kids in the Murfreesboro area get the chance to experience JA! That's why our family is helping raise $2,500 so Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee can reach over 36,000 kids this year. We would love for you to consider supporting JA and our page!