Volunteer Information:

   

The power of The Challenge at Finance Park is the discovery learning that takes place as students deal with some truly challenging life scenarios. The simulation is intended to model an  x-game focused on financial literacy. Hard hitting, in your face, tough real financial decisions that have to be made on the fly. This life like simulation immerses the student in fast paced hands on learning where they are faced with difficult real world decisions. In less than 4 hours, The Challenge at Finance Park provides a number of great learning opportunities.  

The experiential learning takes place within each student group. Each table has from 4 to 6 students and a financial volunteer.  
The student life scenarios are grouped at each table to provide a wide range of life situations.

As a volunteer you play an important role in the success of this program. In addition to providing answers to financial questions, we want you to encourage your students to think about the issues that are being addressed.  Each of these teachable moments allows you to pose questions to get the students thinking beyond the simple math of budgeting.

 

 

Important Points

     Financial Advisor Role

  •   Provide guidance and assistance to students.

  •  Look for teachable moments to mentor students throughout the day.

  •   Monitor and verify students' work progress.

      Locating Important Information

  • Use your Financial Advisor Checklist and follow along in your leader's guide.

  • Questions or concerns you are equipped to answer should be referred to a The Challenge at Finance Park staff member.

  • Fire exit doors are marked.  Evacuation information will be reviewed at the start of the day.

      Expectations for Financial Advisors

  • Please wear your nametag.

  • Food and drinks must remain in the restaurant area.

  • According to state law, this is a smoke-free facility.

  • Cell phones should be turned off or set on vibra.

      Expectations for Students

  • Students must remain inside the Park area for the entire day.

  • Students should be respectful of all persons and property in the Park.

  • Students eat lunch during The Final Commitment time period. All food and drinks must remain in the Restaurant area.  

  • No gum or candy is allowed in The Challenge at Finance Park.

  • Discipline issues should immediately be brought to the attention of JA staff member.

  

Daily Schedule 

(10 minutes)                         Opening and General Information

                                                 ●  Welcome and opening general info in conference center

(30 minutes)                         The Truth Revealed

                                                 ●  Students report to assigned place of business and receive portfolio and materials
                                                 ●  Review and sharng of life scenario with other students
                                                 ●  Students complete Net Monthly Income (NMI) worksheets
                                                 ●  Computer log in
                                                 ●  Volunteer questions                                               

(30  minutes)                        Pay Yourself First!
                                                ● Students complete Savings /Investing activity
                                                 ●  Review of Budget Worksheet 

(30 minutes)                         The Big Search

  • Students collect Option Sheets from each business.

  • Students acquire Investment Portfolios.

  • Students apply for bank loan

  • Students record initial stock prices.
    Test

(50 minutes)                         The Budget Puzzle

  • Students complete Budget Worksheet fixed expense decisions.

  • Students complete Budget Worksheet living expense decisions.

  • Students complete Budget Worksheet discretionary expense decisions. 

(50 minutes)                         The Final Commitment (lunch)

  • Students finalize budget decisions by making all payments   

  • Students record current stock prices.

  • Students go to Check Out to have final report printed.

                                                  Student Lunch Schedule

  • Group A

  • Group B

                                     (Lunchtime should be divided into two 20-minute sessions during The Final Commitment)                    

 

(10 minutes)                         Closing

  • Students participate in cleanup,

  • Summary discussion on The Challenge a Finance Park

(10 minutes)                          Wrap up

  • Students go to conference center for final wrap up

  • Students dismissed

  
 

      revised 1/2012                Junior Achievement of South Central PA                        Contact Us         Directions