Volunteer FAQs

Your time commitment will vary depending on the program you choose. For example, in school volunteering is 1-4 hours, and company program (after school) is 30+ hours. Learn more about our programs and the time commitments here.

We appreciate any time you can commit. Company Program volunteers are only asked to deliver one team per year as the time duration of that program is longer.

Usually a four hour program requires at least an hour to 1.5 hours of preparation on top of training, if required. It is important that volunteers appear confident and in control in front of a group of students. Good presenters give clear instruction, manage time and know how to link one activity to the next – the result of preparation and planning.

Each volunteer works with a Program Coordinator who will recommend which program is the best match to your interests and skills, let you know about available volunteer opportunities and provide all of the materials required. Program Managers are there to support you – to answer any questions, give specific information about the session and provide ideas on particular activities.

We offer programs starting with grade 4 all the way through to grade 12. See the Programs page for more information.

All in-school programs (MTM, OBW, ABO, DWS, DIA, EFS) can be lead in teams of two (ISP is the only one that is solo).

Company Program volunteers work as part of a 3-4 person team. The other programs are usually delivered by one person, but can be delivered with a colleague as well.

We can give you more information about the specific content of each program, please contact us.

In general we are looking for people who are comfortable in a classroom, can provide leadership, have experience working in a business environment, and really enjoy working with young people. If you’re not sure of your comfort level, get a friend in the classroom with you. Just get them to register and let us know your preference to be placed with them.

Some of our programs such as Investment Strategies are best suited to people who have expertise in this area, but many of our programs can be led by volunteers with more general life and business experience.

Our volunteers come from many different sectors including insurance, tourism, retail and high-tech to name a few.  They are executives, managers, marketing/communication professionals, sales people, small business owners, customer service representatives, human resource managers, consultants, retirees…the list goes on!

Yes. We encourage post-secondary students to participate in order to gain valuable leadership skills and to share their knowledge.

Yes, JA provides all of the materials you will need to deliver the lessons. For example, you will receive 30 name cards, 30 student workbooks or handouts, 30 certificates, posters, etc.  During your training session you will receive your own Program Guide for Teachers and Volunteers.  This is your guide to follow and make your own notes in.

Classrooms vary depending on the school and grade. Usually there are anywhere from 15 – 38 students.

No. The teacher is required to be in the classroom at all times to assist with class management.

We offer JA programs to all schools in southern Alberta. While we do our best to get in as many as possible, sometimes a little push is needed. A parent’s voice can help get our programs to your child’s school. If you’d like to know if your school is scheduled, or what programs they have signed up for, contact a member of our program team

Yes! All of our programs are free of charge to the schools.  As a not-for-profit organization, JA receives donations primarily from community-minded corporations and individuals. You can see a list of our donors here on our site. Interested in donating? Any amount helps us grow our reach and improve our programs.