The Junior Achievement of New York High School Heroes program provides high school students the opportunity to become role models by teaching and inspiring elementary students.
High School Heroes work in teams of 2-3 and spend a school day in a local classroom. As teachers for the day, they'll teach a series of 5 or 6 fun and interactive lessons to an elementary school classroom.
WHEN AND WHERE?
We partner with high schools throughout NYC, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Most High School Hero volunteer events are held at an elementary school close to the Heroes' high school. The program takes place during regular school hours (8:30am-2pm) with standard lunch breaks.
WHAT DO HEROES TEACH?
JA programs focus on one or more of our "three pillars" of student success: financial literacy, college and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Each JA elementary program lesson is activity-based, reinforcing important financial literacy concepts through hands-on learning.
HOW ARE STUDENTS PREPARED?
All High School Heroes are required to attend two 45 minute training sessions provided by JA staff at your school. During the training, they receive their teaching kits, learn how to prepare the lessons, and practice effective classroom management skills.
Be a role model for younger students while strengthening and practicing leadership and teamwork skills
- Heroes can earn community service hours for graduation
- Heroes build public speaking and presentation skills. (link to evaluation results)
- Heroes can learn what it's like to be a teacher and gain valuable work-related experience
- Great resume builder and community service project to highlight on college applications
- Opportunity to apply for a scholarship essay competition
Program Concepts
Communication, Critical thinking, Education and training, Soft skillsSkills Students Learn
- Active listening
- Applying information
- Collaborative discussions
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Decision making
- Following written instructions
- Formulating answers from personal experiences
- Goal-setting
- Interpersonal communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Organizing information
- Planning
- Prioritizing
- Problem solving
- Reading
- Role-playing
- Self-assessment
- Taking responsibility
- Time management
- Work collaboratively
- Working in groups
JA Program Details
Alignment with Standards
Common Core Standards
For those states that follow common core standards, Junior Achievement's curricula have been reviewed for alignment with these standards! Learn more by selecting the appropriate grade level below.
Main Correlation and Standards PageNational Standards
While educational standards are determined primarily at the state level, many national standards serve as guidelines for the development of these state standards. See how Junior Achievement curricula align with the national standards listed below.
State Standards
Junior Achievement curricula are created to align with state standards. To see how our programs align with your state's standards, explore the options below.
Scope and Sequence
Junior Achievement learning experiences cover financial literacy, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Our extensive scope and sequence helps explain how our programs cover these subjects at various grade levels.
