Believing in “Possible”
At Junior Achievement, the belief in “possible” drives everything they do. Each day, JA works to help young people discover what’s possible in their lives by connecting classroom lessons with life outside of school. Through proven programs in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship, students learn that it’s possible to invest in their future, understand how the world works, and pursue their dreams. This mission comes to life in a unique way at JA BizTown®, a hands-on program that has become one of Junior Achievement of Delaware’s most popular learning experiences.
What is JA BizTown?
JA BizTown blends 12 in-class lessons with a culminating four- to five-hour simulation in a fully functioning miniature town. Aimed at students in grades four through six, the program allows kids to operate banks, manage businesses, write checks, and even vote for mayor. In the process, they discover how their roles as citizens, consumers, and workers tie directly to the world. By the end of the experience, students have a basic understanding of economics and business practices, practice money management skills, and gain exposure to the important skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and communication!
Photo: Christa Cooper
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
What makes JA BizTown so powerful is its ability to show young people that what they’re learning in the classroom truly matters. Instead of memorizing concepts, they live them while making real decisions, seeing real consequences, and connecting with their fellow classmates in new ways.
WDSD on the Air in BizTown
And this year, there’s a new and exciting addition to BizTown’s lineup of businesses: 94.7 WDSD will be featured in the radio station section of the town! Just like in the real world, the radio station will serve as a hub of communication, giving students a chance to see what it’s like to run a broadcast operation. From creating announcements to “going on air,” they’ll learn how radio plays a vital role in connecting a community. Having WDSD represented brings a local Delaware touch to the program and makes the experience even more authentic for students! Plus, it’s a fun way to highlight the importance of media in our everyday lives.
Photo: Amanda Baez
Empowering the Next Generation
Junior Achievement of Delaware empowers K–12 students with the knowledge and skills to own their economic success. Their learning experiences focus on three essential pillars: work and career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Through this, JA Delaware prepares young people to succeed in today’s economy and inspires them to dream big for their future.
2024 & 2025 Impact at a Glance
In the 2024–25 school year, JA Delaware reached a record 27,979 students, thanks to the support of dedicated volunteers, educators, and community partners. Here’s what that impact looks like:
- 27,979 Students Served
- 1,353 Successful Adult Role Models Engaged
- 706 K–12 Classes Reached
- 363 Professional Educator Partners
- 120 Schools Across Delaware, Cecil County (MD), and Salem County (NJ)
- 385,912 Instructional Contact Hours Delivered
Photo: Christa Cooper
How to Get Involved
Junior Achievement thrives on the support of volunteers and sponsors who make these programs possible. Individuals and corporate teams are encouraged to get involved through classroom visits, simulation days, and skills-based projects. Organizations can also support students through sponsorships, including storefront advertising inside JA Finance Park and JA BizTown, or by sponsoring a student, a classroom, or even an entire school.
- To explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Rob Eppes at rob.eppes@ja.org.
- To learn more about volunteering, reach out to Niesha Lawler-Okonkwo at niesha.lawlerokonkwo@ja.org.
The Impact in Delaware
Here in Delaware, JA BizTown captures Junior Achievement’s mission in action. It gives kids a safe, structured environment to try on adult responsibilities, explore career paths, and learn how money, business, and community all intersect. While it may not be a place open to the general public, its impact is felt across classrooms, families, and communities statewide. And now, with WDSD’s presence inside the BizTown radio station, students will not only step into the shoes of bankers, mayors, and shop owners, but also broadcasters, discovering firsthand how powerful communication can be. Junior Achievement is empowering the next generation to dream big, and in Delaware, those dreams just got a little louder on the airwaves.