Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is gearing up to launch the 2025 JA BizTown Mobile tour.
The program introduces students to workforce readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship through a simulated economy where they take on roles as business leaders, employees, and consumers. The initiative is designed as a hands-on supplement to classroom instruction, a release stated.
Before participating in JA BizTown Mobile, students complete a 12-session curriculum covering economic concepts. The coursework is divided into five units that address:
- The roles of citizens, workers, and consumers in a community
- Citizens’ rights and responsibilities
- The free enterprise system
- Money management and personal finance
- Business operations and teamwork
Through this curriculum, students engage with financial concepts and economic systems in a structured setting before applying them in the simulation.
Educators say the program provides practical exposure to financial and economic principles.
“The ability to expose our students to these financial literacy, collaborative, and community experiences through an on-site simulation is a great step forward in preparing our students for their future participation in our community,” said Douglas Wheeler, superintendent of College Community School District.
Students who participated in JA BizTown cited the lessons they learned about business operations and financial management.
“I learned that a business has many parts to make it run. And to make it run, the people have to work together,” one student said, while another noted, “I learned what it is like to pay off loans, pay bills, and pay taxes.”
Volunteers also play a role in the program, providing guidance and support during the simulation.
“I loved seeing the students so energized and enthusiastic about their roles and how serious most of them took it,” said Jessica, a volunteer from New Leader Manufacturing.
The program continues to offer students an introduction to economic principles and workforce preparedness.
2025 JA BizTown Mobile Tour Schedule
- Iowa City Community School District (Center for Innovation, ACT Campus): March 3-5, April 21-23, May 27-28, 30
- Cedar Rapids Community School District (Linn County Regional Center): March 12-13
- Springville Elementary: March 28
- Prairie Creek Intermediate (College Community School District): April 1-4
- Boulder Peak Intermediate (Linn-Mar Community School District): April 29-May 1
- Hazel Point Intermediate (Linn-Mar Community School District): May 6-8
- Shellsburg Elementary (Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District): May 13
- Norway Intermediate (Benton Community School District): May 15
- Aplington Elementary (Aplington-Parkersburg Community School District): May 20
