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Junior Achievement (JA) has been active in Billings since the early 1950s, primarily as an after school high school program.  In the 1990s JA expanded into Billings elementary and middle schools.  Programming was temporarily suspended in 2005 with funds set aside for future programs.

In Spring 2008 JA of Montana, the Billings School District and Billings Chamber of Commerce formed a local committee to raise funds and recruit volunteers in anticipation of ten pilot classes.  Due to amazing community support by committee members, volunteers and donors, a total of 27 classes were completed in Billings middle schools and associated after school programs.

For the 2009-2010 school year, JA of Montana will continue to support existing Billings middle and after school programs, while expanding into Skyview High School, with a target of 35 classrooms.  The middle schools utilize the JA It’s My Business! curriculum through World of Work classes.  It’s My Business! teaches entrepreneurship, marketing, business planning, creativity and innovation, preparing students to take an active role in business.  Associated after school programs will again implement BizKids through our partnership with Montana PBS and Montana’s credit unions.  

The Banks in Action program being piloted at Skyview High School teaches students the principles of the banking industry, and introduces them to the challenges of successfully operating a bank in a competitive environment.   It not only educates young people about the banking industry, but also encourages them to become better citizens and smarter consumers.

The Billings District Committee is actively supporting programming in Billings schools and after school programs, planning growth, recruiting and training volunteers, providing outreach and raising funds to sustain local operations.  All support for Billings programming comes from within the Billings community.  Many thanks Billings for making our first year such an amazing success!

 (link to Billings donors, committee members, teachers and volunteers)