Sixth Graders’ Experience at BizTown a Real-World Lesson in Business

South Park Middle School sixth grade students got to experience what it is like to run a business and be a contributing member to the community during a trip to Junior Achievement’s BizTown in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Over two days in March, every sixth grade student traveled to BizTown for a four-hour, hands-on visit to a simulated community experience, providing valuable lessons in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.

At BizTown, students have important roles as either citizens, employees, or consumers and get to see how those roles fit into the market economy. Classroom lessons in money management and business practices and responsibilities come to life in this town featuring banks, restaurants, shops, and other businesses that are the same as those seen in towns and cities throughout our region. Students operate and manage those businesses and even vote for mayor to practice what it means to be an informed and engaged citizen.

The BizTown experience, made possible through Junior Achievement and the dozens of South Park volunteers who provided support throughout the day, supports state standards in reading, math, social studies, and work and career readiness.