Final report - European Commission - Europa

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT K-6 PROGRAMMEStefania Popp, JA-YE EuropeEconomics: What is it? Economics is the Science of ChoiceEducation: What is it? Education is teaching on How to Make ChoicesThe presentation introduces a concept and a case study on how Junior Achievement K-6 programs can improve thequality of a regular program and help students to learn faster how to do it.“It’s never too early to start preparing young people for their futures. Students entering school today face the significantchallenge of preparing for a rapidly changing economy. They need an early start to be ready to meet society’sdemands. So no matter what their path in life, they will be ready and eager to learn, take risks, overcome the fear offailing and charge into unknown territory.Through carefully designed programs that reflect our business today, and evolving needs of the world tomorrow, JuniorAchievement helps young people learn about every aspect of business by doing. (…) Junior Achievement bringsbusiness people face to face with kids for the simplest of human interaction… sharing. A volunteer in the classroom, amentor to a job shadow, a supporter on a local JA program, a leader in corporate sponsorship… Whatever the choice,they can make the difference!”The JA-YE programmes develop economics concept through 6 programmes: Ourselves, Our Families, Our Community.Our City. Our Region, Our Nation, Our World. Junior Achievement uses hands-on experiences to help young peopleunderstand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, JA-YE brings the real world to students,opening their minds to their potential. The elementary school programs include six sequential themes for kindergartenthrough fifth-grade students and a new core programme and experience (Our Europe) . Students learn the basicconcepts of business and economics and how education is relevant to the workplace.The sequential activities build on studies from each preceding grade and prepare students for secondary school andlifelong learning. The six program themes also teach students that people assume roles as individuals, consumers, andworkers in an expanding cultural environment that extends from the self and family to global relations.28Entrepreneurship Education in Europe: Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets through Education and Learning