• JA Volunteers are typically from a business background but not exclusively. For programs like the Economics of Staying in School, work-related skills are relied upon.
• College and university students from business and education backgrounds often make good volunteers for the Economics of Staying in School and for the Business Basics Series.
• Volunteers should have an affinity for and enjoy the age group that they are working with; good organizational skills; commitment to the role; ability to communicate.
• Volunteers need to consider their own skills, strengths, interest and availability; the age group they would like to work with, as well as their schedule and areas of expertise. Volunteers are all expected to attend the scheduled training sessions (1-3 hours depending on program choice).
• With the exception of the after school Company Program, programs are delivered during school hours and as such, volunteers are committed to delivering the program during the workday.
• Volunteers are also expected to take the time (after training) to re-read through the materials and prepare for the in-class program delivery.

Elementary Programs - Business Basics Series:

Our Community (grade 3), Our Country (grade 4) - Volunteers should be interested in working with young children. He/she may have a parental and/or an early childhood education background. Volunteers should be able to work in a structured classroom environment. Volunteers must be comfortable with young children i.e. sitting on the floor, circle time etc. We currently have volunteers teaching these 2 programs from a corporate, business and professional background as well as University and college students.

Our Business World (grade 5) - Volunteers need to be comfortable with this age group as they are very active. We currently have volunteers teaching this program from a corporate, business and professional background as well as University and college students.

Middle School Programs:

Economics of Staying in School (grade 8) - Volunteers for this program are interested in inspiring students to stay in school. He/she is interested in sharing stories about his/her career as it pertains to the program. Two volunteers are paired together for this full day program. Life skills orientation, presentation and coaching skills are all beneficial.

Secondary School Programs:

Company Program/A Student Venture (after-school - grade 9-12) - Volunteers teach in the evening and act in an advisory role. They need to be organized, patient, motivated, have high energy, be a team player, and have a sense of adventure. It is recommended that volunteers need specific skill areas i.e. finance, HR, accounting, administration. Volunteers should be able to work with teens and have excellent communication skills.

Company Program/A Student Venture (In School- grade 10-12) - Volunteers who have had experience running their own business and/or a strong background in business are best suited. Volunteers work in partnership with the teacher primarily in an advisory role. Volunteers should be able to work with teens and have excellent communication skills.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a JA volunteer!