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People often say that public schools should put more practical life lessons into the curriculum, such as how to file taxes or cook on a budget. We here on the Shore are lucky to have Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES), which has spent the last four decades connecting local students with this kind of education. Since 1985, the organization has been introducing lessons in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship that prepare young people for real-world success.
“What began as volunteer-led classroom lessons has grown into strong partnerships with school systems across the Shore, including Caroline County,” said Erin Williamson, a Junior Achievement representative. “This year is especially meaningful as JAES celebrates its 40th anniversary—a milestone reflecting decades of investment in the success of local students and communities.”
Today, Junior Achievement reaches roughly 2,000 Caroline County students each year through its Pathways to Possibilities program. Its scope has expanded over the years into immersive, hands-on programs designed to meet students at every age and stage, though they still rely on community volunteers to assist with these programs.
Elementary students may encounter Junior Achievement through teacher-led curriculum, but the core focus is on middle and high school. Sixth graders participate in JA BizTown®, where they “run” a simulated town and learn how jobs, money management, and civic responsibility intersect. Seventh graders can take on the challenges of JA Finance Park®, building budgets and making life decisions based on assigned careers and family scenarios. By eighth grade, students attend JA Inspire, which is basically a large career fair that connects them with local businesses and potential career options.
High schoolers dive deeper into personal finance with JA Finance Park® Advanced, tackling topics like investments and long-term planning while imagining their desired future lifestyles. Williamson said it is especially humbling for the students to find out just how much childcare or regular Chick-fil-A meals cost through this exercise. Other opportunities include a Leadership Academy that builds communication skills, a Stock Market Challenge, and JA Empower, which supports students as they transition from graduation into the workforce. These programs resonate with students because they make learning tangible, “It connects classroom learning to practical, everyday decision-making and gives students confidence to plan for their futures,” Williamson said.
“Volunteers help students see how skills like financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship apply in real workplaces,” Williamson explained. Business professionals, community leaders, and local mentors guide students through budgeting exercises, lead workshops, and share career insights. JA’s partnership with Caroline County Public Schools makes sure these programs reach Caroline’s kids. JA aligns its curriculum with Maryland’s Blueprint College and Career Readiness Pillar to ensure students are prepared for wherever life takes them after graduation. Local businesses and foundations provide funding to keep programs accessible, which is particularly important as more than 75 percent of participating students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The programs are rewarding for the students and volunteers alike. One BizTown volunteer described the joy of watching students have “ah-ha moments” as they grasp new concepts. An eighth grader who attended JA Inspire said, “It was really inspirational and I am truly thankful to the kind, amazing individuals who opened up a whole new world and doors to me which I could never have even imagined possible prior to attending this event.”
For Williamson, the most rewarding part is watching students’ excitement grow over the course of a program day. “Many enter thinking it will be just another class or typical field trip, but as the experience unfolds, you see them engaging, responding, and discovering new skills,” she said. “By the end, they’re talking about how amazing the experience was.”
Junior Achievement is currently launching their 18 Under 18 campaign, a new initiative to celebrate young people who are making a difference in their communities. Nominations are open through the end of the year, and selected honorees will be recognized with scholarships, prizes, and a professional media spotlight. Anyone who knows a particularly inspiring young person is encouraged to submit them to JA for a chance to be recognized.
“Every student deserves to see that their dreams are possible,” Williamson said. “When they step into a JA program, you can see their eyes light up the moment they realize they can manage money, run a business, or pursue a career they never thought was within reach.”
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