Travis Early College High School teacher, Debra McClure started bringing JA into her classroom a few years ago. We asked her some questions about her experience with JA.
Why did you bring JA Entrepreneurship programs into your classes?
I was teaching business classes and thought it would be a great fit. JA brought in a great curriculum about entrepreneurship and running a business.
Why do you think JA is important in your class?
This curriculum helped the students get hands-on experience taking a business idea and actually bringing it to life. Students got to learn valuable entrepreneurship skills of leadership, teamwork, and cooperation. In addition to entrepreneurship skills, JA students also had to learn about finance and how to work with money. Doing so helps them to experience the excitement of selling their products and collecting money. Many difficult challenges had to be faced in terms of splitting the money with their team. An overwhelming majority of student groups often chose to donate part of their profits to a charity. Thinking of others, taking risks, exploring leadership roles, and learning how to handle finances are valuable 21st-century workplace skills.
Why do you have JA in your class and why should other classes bring JA programs in?
I think all students should go through a JA program at least once. It is during the JA business programs that students learn about themselves, that their ideas are important, and that they can do more than they realize.
What growth have you seen in your students?
Some students really blossom with the JA program. I have seen quiet and shy students suddenly get selected to be the president of their company or start their own company and run a sole-proprietorship. I believe this is life-changing for them. By the end of the program, these once quiet and shy students are more confident and vocal. They also have more self-confidence.
What is it like having volunteers in your classroom?
The JA volunteers are great. I enjoy working with them to provide our students with an authentic learning experience. I always feel included and part of the team.
What is a piece of financial or general advice you rely on or wish you had learned earlier?
In terms of financial advice, I wish I learned in high school - I wish I learned that I had the capacity to earn my own income at an early age. I also wish I had a JA mentor to help me believe in myself more as a teenager and help me see that there was a world of possibilities out there waiting for me. I think that would have made a huge difference.
