This past Friday, a group of Simpson|McCrady employees volunteered at Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown, an innovative educational program designed to immerse middle school students in a hands-on experience of how a community functions. BizTown gives students the chance to step into real-world roles, offering them a glimpse into professions like accounting, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and more.
At BizTown, the students take on various roles within a simulated town, complete with a bank, grocery store, town hall, doctor’s office, and many other businesses—each one managed and operated by the students themselves. The program helps them understand not only the roles of employees but also how a town’s economy operates. Students are given two paychecks and a business loan and are tasked with making important financial decisions that impact both their personal lives and the success of their businesses.
Throughout their time, students must decide how to spend their paychecks within the community, making choices between essentials like food (including candy!), household expenses, and even charitable donations. This experience taught them valuable lessons in budgeting, saving, and the consequences of financial decisions.
The event was not only an incredible learning experience for the students but also for the Simpson|McCrady volunteers. It was a fulfilling day for all involved and we thank Junior Achievement for running such a fantastic program.
