Sixth-grade students at Upper Adams Intermediate School in Arendtsville prepared for weeks for a day of hands-on learning at Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown in York on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. They applied lessons about citizenship, responsibility, and putting the business world into practice.
JA BizTown features a simulated town where students take on jobs, work as part of a business team, manage money and explore the responsibilities of being a consumer and citizen. Students experienced roles such as bank teller, business manager, mayor, distribution worker, radio and television workers, media, healthcare, and other workplace positions.
In preparation for the field trip, students learned about the responsibilities that come with being a good citizen and a productive member of a community. Their lessons have included accountability, loyalty, applying for jobs, interviews, trustworthiness, and the importance of following rules.
Students also signed a citizen contract outlining expectations, including telling the truth, completing their work, and taking breaks at assigned times. The preparation is designed to help students understand the importance of making responsible decisions and being accountable for their actions. While working, students learned about teamwork, budgeting, decision-making, and the local economy.
The curriculum has introduced students to concepts such as the difference between producers and consumers, the role of services, voting, and the importance of taxes. Students also learned about Benjamin Franklin and his contributions. He is a virtuous model for them to behave responsibly in the community with others.
School counselor Saunders expressed enthusiasm about the experience and the opportunity for students to participate.“It is a great field trip and I think the students had a wonderful time,” Saunders said. “I am glad that an opening came up for our school so that the students could get this experience!” “We have 30 volunteers including parents, community members, retired/current staff. All stakeholders have been included.”
While the students prepared, field trip volunteers watched videos in preparation. Additionally, volunteers arrived one hour prior to the students to allow time for orientation and set up.
Sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Karn said, students have been putting considerable effort into preparing for the day.
“The students have been working hard and are were excited for this opportunity,” Karn said. “We enjoyed watching the students put everything that they have learned into motion during the visit.”
JA BizTown is a Junior Achievement educational program that gives students an opportunity to experience how a community and its businesses operate. Through simulated workplace and civic activities, students applied classroom lessons to real-world situations while exploring concepts such as earning and spending money, teamwork, decision-making, and community involvement.
For Upper Adams sixth-graders, the Nov. 6 visit served as an opportunity to move beyond the classroom and see how their preparation translates into action, building practical skills and confidence along the way.
JA Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit educational organization based in York that works with schools and community partners to prepare students for future success. Its programs focus on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. JA helps young people understand how classroom lessons connect to everyday life and are applicable in the workplace.
Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania celebrated its 65th anniversary in York in 2026. The organization serves students throughout a 14-county region, including Adams County, through hands-on educational programs designed to build practical skills and prepare young people for their futures. To learn more about JA, visit: jascpa.org.
