Monterey, CA - JA Finance Park

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Program Overview
JA Finance Park helps students build a foundation upon which they can make intelligent financial decisions that last a lifetime, including decisions related to income, expenses, savings, and credit.

The JA Finance Park program is composed of 13 required teacher-taught, in-class lessons. It culminates in a hands-on budgeting simulation that is implemented at the JA Finance Park mobile unit in the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Additional extension activities are available for each lesson topic. Lessons are offered in a traditional classroom presentation format designed for middle-grade students, and in a Project-Based Learning (PBL) format created for high school students. Both provide educators a method of delivery that will best meet the needs of their students. (Grades 7-12)

Volunteer Overview
Over 100 volunteers, roughly 20 volunteers per day are needed to lead a group of 10 high school students through the Park. Each student is given a tablet, and access to the simulation. Through the simulation, they have an avatar with a job, credit score, family, and salary. Their goal is to make decisions and have a balanced budget by the end of the 4 hour program. The volunteers guide them through the budget decisions and share their knowledge about finances. Volunteer training is hosted from 8 to 9am, the morning of a volunteer's experience. The students arrive at 9:15 and the program ends at 2. Lunch and beverages are provided for the volunteer, in thanks to our donors.

Student and School Overview
Local high school students are currently completing their 13-session coursework in the classroom and preparing for the their immersive experience at JA Finance Park in February 2020. The program will primarily impact high school freshmen from high-need schools in the greater Monterey area, specifically: Salinas, Prunedale, Castroville, Seaside and Watsonville.

Participating schools and student %'s related to Free/Reduced Lunch Plans:

Alisal High School - 81% FRLP
Central Coast Continuation High School (Seaside) - 98% FRLP
North Monterey County High School (Castroville) - 81% FRLP