An Experience Unlike Any Other

The Experience

Thousands of Oklahoma 4th-6th grade students will have the opportunity to run their own town for one day. As they experience JA BizTown, the students will run a bank, manage a restaurant, read blueprints, write checks, shop with the money they earn, and even vote.

JA BizTown combines in-class learning with a half-day visit to the student-led community. This experience is a fully interactive, true-to-life, simulated town where students learn the fundamental relationship between academics and life beyond school.

In-Class Curriculum

The JA BizTown experience starts with in-class curriculum taught by the teachers. This curriculum aligns with Oklahoma Academic Standards and encompasses financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

During the teacher-led learning, students are introduced to bank services, apply for a job, learn what goes into operating a successful business, and how to be an outstanding citizen.

The Simulation

Next, the students pack up and head to JA BizTown for a community simulation that they will remember for a lifetime. JA BizTown helps students learn through roleplay and engaging, hands-on activities.

As business owners, students will learn to responsibly manage staff, financial resources, and inventories. Students will also learn to account for business expenses and still earn enough money to make a profit.

As consumers, students will learn how to make wise financial decisions and understand their relationship, as a consumer, to the economy.

Program Impact

JA BizTown started in Tulsa in 2003 and since has seen more than 175,000 students come through its doors. JA BizTown has proven to be a high-impact learning opportunity for students statewide. It is our desire to add a JA BizTown in Oklahoma City so students on the western side of Oklahoma can also participate in this in-demand program.

When students participate in JA BizTown, they learn:

  • The rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

  • The job application process and the critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and leadership skills needed to succeed.

  • The necessity of tending to their "needs" before their "wants."

  • The process of writing checks and maintaining accurate banking records.

  • The circular flow of goods, services, and resources within an economy, including the role of government and taxes.

  • The business basics of starting, financing, and managing a business and the importance of providing jobs within their community.