The McGrath Family JA BizTown creates a learning environment in which students are given opportunities for actual, rather than imagined activities; active, rather than passive learning; and actual decision-making with consequences. They have a unique opportunity to learn and apply economic, math and language concepts and skills.

• Early grasp of economic concepts:

Recent testing of 5th grade students who had experienced the The McGrath Family JA BizTown program reveals that students' grasp of economic concepts and vocabulary were 52% higher than students who had not been in the program.

• Better retention of information:

8th grade JA BizTown "graduates", three years after the program, topped the "non-JA BizTown graduates" with scores over 30% higher on economics.

These test-results illustrate that the hands-on simulation activities in the program help students master new and complex concepts in vivid and memorable ways.

The goals of The McGrath Family JA BizTown are to:

• Supplement the elementary social studies curriculum with business and economic real-world related skills and concepts
• Increase the students' understanding of personal economics
• Teach the real-world relevancy of literacy and math and its importance to their personal success in life
• Help the students discover the roles individuals play in our city and its economy as workers and consumers
• Help the students appreciate the importance of completing their education for their future success
• Broaden the students' appreciation of citizenship and its responsibilities
• Help students understand the characteristics of a quality business
• Increase the students' awareness of helping others in their community

Useful BizTown Links

• FAQ's about BizTown
• Correlations to State Standards
• Practice the CFO role
• BizTown's 5-week Curriculum
• BizTown Merchandise
• BizTown Summer Camp
• Participate in JA BizTown now
• Email our Education team