From running a business to exploring careers they may have never considered, Nevada students are getting more opportunities to learn skills that can help shape their futures. A new $135,000 investment from Google is helping Junior Achievement of Nevada bring those experiences to nearly 40,000 students each year, including students in Northern Nevada.
The investment supports JA BizTown in Las Vegas and JA Inspire career exploration programs available to students across the state, both in person and online. The funding comes as Junior Achievement's Northern and Southern Nevada organizations have begun operating as one statewide organization earlier this year.
For younger students, JA BizTown offers a chance to put financial lessons into practice. Nevada public schools are required under Senate Bill 249 to provide financial literacy instruction beginning in third grade. BizTown gives students a hands-on opportunity to apply those concepts in a simulated business environment.
Inside Google's BizTown storefront, students take on roles ranging from CEO and CFO to digital manager and advertising executive. They manage payroll, design advertisements, and serve customers while working with other businesses in the student-run town.
Older students can explore potential career paths through JA Inspire, which is designed for middle and high school students beginning to think about life after graduation.
Students complete a career assessment, meet local employers, and take part in hands-on activities connected to fields that match their interests. They also learn about the education and credentials needed to pursue different careers.
JA Inspire is available to students throughout Nevada, including those in Reno and rural communities. Its online option allows students to participate from school or home without traveling, while connecting them with employers and industries in Northern Nevada.
Junior Achievement also organizes in-person JA Inspire events in Northern Nevada, including one planned for Reno. More details about that event are expected to follow.
The Google investment will help support both programs as Junior Achievement continues its work as a statewide organization, providing students with opportunities to build financial knowledge and explore career possibilities.
