JA Financial Literacy: Enroll Your School Today for Free
JA of Tennessee has launched a new school-based financial literacy course to help combat the state’s financial literacy crisis and prepare students to graduate financially capable, workforce ready, and prepared for long-term success. Through an innovative pilot program, the half-credit, turnkey curriculum is available to schools at no cost and includes direct teacher training, resources, and support.
JA Financial Literacy is a free, half-credit, turnkey curriculum that teaches students how to make informed financial decisions related to earning, spending, saving, investing, credit, debt management, and long-term financial planning. The student-centered, real-world instruction is aligned with JA’s 5E Model - Engage, Equip, Empower, Elevate, and Excel - providing a structured, proven approach.
Now more than ever, students need practical financial education before entering the workforce, college, military service, or entrepreneurship – and yet more than a decade after passing a high school mandate, Tennessee continues to rank at the bottom of key indicators.
• Tennessee ranks 40th in financial literacy nationwide
• Tennessee has the 3rd highest personal bankruptcy rate per capita
• Personal bankruptcy filings increased 6.6% in 2025
• Approximately 65% of Tennesseans lack an emergency fund
Financial Literacy Learning Experiences for Tennessee
From Elementary to Young Adulthood
Junior Achievement's programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of students at every stage of their educational journey.
Learn MoreContact a Tennessee Office
Join us in empowering Tennessee's youth. Whether you're an educator, a state employee, or an elected official, your partnership can make a difference. Get in touch with your local JA office today.
Learn MoreJA Financial Literacy for Tennessee
JA can help your school and students meet Tennessee's new financial literacy graduation requirement with practical, hands-on financial education curricula.
Learn MoreJA Financial Literacy
JA Financial Literacy® is a one-semester teacher-led course that equips high school students with foundational personal finance skills.(Grades 9-12)
This course has received California A-G approval from High School Articulation, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, University of California.
Junior Achievement: Education for What's Next
"What's Next?" That’s the question on everyone’s mind. Technologies we’ve never seen before are changing the world in ways we’ve never known. Jobs people depend on today might not be here tomorrow. Are we ready? How do we get ready?
Our Core Initiatives
- Prioritize K-12 experiential education and programs, including Financial Literacy curriculum
- Expand access to entrepreneurship programs
- Increase career readiness partnerships
- Promote youth leadership development opportunities
Fostering Resilient Communities:
- Enhance Workforce Development initiatives
- Expand youth employment programs to promote economic mobility
- Increase Access to Community Resources (transportation, internet access, libraries, etc.)
Sustainable Solutions:
- Preserve incentives for charitable giving
- Incentivize and reduce risks for volunteering
- Promote public-private/cross-sector partnerships that foster social and economic mobility
Impact
Junior Achievement designs learning experiences with the end in mind: real outcomes for students. Our experiences don't just expose young people to ideas about the future — they help students clearly connect what they are learning today to where they want to go tomorrow in a measurable way.