Through hands-on classroom activities and local, regional, and national competitions, JA Banks in Action™ teaches high school students the principles of banking and introduces them to the challenges of successfully operating a bank in a competitive environment. A truly international program, JA Banks in Action educates young people around the world about the banking industry, while encouraging them to become better citizens and smarter consumers.
JA Banks in Action was first developed by Junior Achievement Argentina with financial support from Citibank Argentina. The Citigroup Foundation has continued its support of JA Banks in Action to expand its reach to students worldwide.
In 2006, with Citigroup Foundation sponsorship, Junior Achievement upgraded the original JA Banks in Action program so students can increase their understanding of the banking industry through a computer simulation available online and CD-ROM.
A "Bank Performance Index" (BPI) measures success in the program's computer simulation, with each bank's performance based on the following factors:
•Net Profit
•Return on Assets
•Return on Equity
•Loan Share
•Deposit Share
•Capital Ration
During the simulation, each bank team attempts to achieve the highest BPI possible. Each team sets short- and long-term interest rates for bank deposits and loans. Teams also invest in research and development and marketing to strengthen their position as they compete against each other. At the end of the simulation, the bank team with the highest BPI wins.
Both public and school-based versions of JA Banks in Action are available. The school-based program includes a kit containing all the materials necessary for volunteers to introduce students to the principles of banking, and is available solely through JA Area Offices in the United States and in more than 100 Member Nations. To locate a JA office near you, please visit www.ja.org.