Last week, our sixth-grade BizTown class took a field trip to Hillsboro that turned into an unforgettable hands-on learning adventure. For those unfamiliar with the program, JA BizTown is an engaging program that introduces students to economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances in a student-sized town built just for them.

Our students stepped into JA BizTown and took on the challenge of running an entire city. Some became CEOs, others worked as Wi-Fi installers, delivered packages for UPS, DJed on the iHeartRadio station, or served as civic leaders. The experience allows students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor, connecting classroom lessons directly to real-world applications. Junior Achievement USA

What impressed us most was how they approached every role with professionalism and confidence. As Sommer Kirk noted, "We were so impressed by their professionalism, teamwork, and confidence as they navigated real-world responsibilities and made the city come to life."

Every single student demonstrated Respect for their teammates and community, Engagement with their responsibilities, and Growth as they tackled challenges they'd never faced before. Through JA BizTown, students discuss the roles they play as citizens, workers, and consumers in their community, demonstrate a basic understanding of the free enterprise system, and develop an understanding of basic business practices and responsibilities. Our sixth graders did all of that and more. They didn't just learn about economics and business, they lived it. Junior Achievement USA

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