Wesleyan Middle School Students Get Hands On Business Skills with New Program

Wesleyan middle school students had the chance to receive practical business and life skills when the school partnered with Junior Achievement this year.

The new partnership allowed 6th and 8th grade students a unique experience while simultaneously getting a first-hand look and better understanding of what it means to “develop responsible stewardship in our changing world” - which is a part of the school’s mission.

The students experienced the Junior Achievement material through a two and a half week curriculum capped off with a real-world application day spent at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Gwinnett.

In JA BizTown, 6th grade students prepared for their future by running their own city. It provided an opportunity for students to interact within a simulated economy and take on the role of citizen, consumer, and employee. Students worked in teams of 6-8 to manage their assigned business with the goal of generating a profit. They also earned paychecks they could use to purchase products and services for the opportunity to practice basic personal financial management.

JA Finance Park allowed 8th grade students to experience their personal financial futures first-hand. Upon entering the center, they received a “life scenario” that included a career, annual income, education, and family situation. Based on their adult persona, students visited real businesses within the simulation to gather information about financial decisions so they could complete a balanced household budget.

Wesleyan leaders are always looking for creative and hands-on opportunities to help students learn. Joseph Antonio, the middle school principal, said it was a wonderful opportunity to help improve their business and financial literacy.