Why We Keep Coming Back: Four Years of Volunteering in the Classroom with JA of Central Iowa

Author: Lauren Rasmussen
Community Involvement
Published: Thursday, 12 Feb 2026

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Getting involved in your community can feel like a big step, but sometimes it starts with something small, like showing up for your child. For our family, that first step led to an experience we never imagined would become such a meaningful tradition. Our journey with Junior Achievement (JA) in the classroom began when our daughter was in kindergarten. Her teacher was looking for volunteers and I jumped at the chance to get involved, meet my daughters’ classmates, and be part of her school experience. Years later, we’re still coming back year after year because the impact has been too powerful to walk away from.

With volunteer time off available through my work, I began searching for a way to use my professional experience to make a difference. As I learned more about JA’s Classroom programs, I realized how valuable real-world perspectives could be for students. I started volunteering on my own and after sharing how fun and rewarding it was, my husband couldn’t resist joining as a “special guest.” Almost immediately, we saw the difference two perspectives could make. Students connected with each of us in different ways and our unique work and life experiences brought the lessons to life in a way a textbook simply can’t.

Now, four years into volunteering with JA Classroom Programs, we’ve witnessed incredible growth, not just in individual students but across entire classrooms. Seeing students return each year with more confidence, curiosity and understanding has been one of the most exciting parts of our experience. Because we’ve built long-term relationships with the school and the teachers, when we return every year we’re able to jump right into lessons and explore ideas more deeply every time we visit.

JA lessons truly come alive when students can connect them to real life. During a discussion about savings, spending, and donating, we once shared a personal story about having to buy a new car after an accident. Years later, a student remembered that exact story and used it to explain to her classmates why saving money matters. Moments like that remind us that these lessons stick.

Another unforgettable moment came when my husband shared that his first job was delivering newspapers. Weeks later, a parent told us her son had fixed up his bike and created “fake newspapers” to sell, completely inspired by that story. That’s the power of JA: helping students understand money, work and decision-making in ways that spark creativity, confidence and ambition.

Volunteering with JA in the classroom has been an exciting journey of connection, growth and impact, for our daughter, for the students, and for us. Being in the classroom isn’t just about teaching lessons; it’s about sparking ideas, building confidence and showing students what’s possible.

It also provides the opportunity to not only know your child's friends better but other kids in the classroom. You may have heard of a child with a learning disability or behavioral issues. Seeing it firsthand gives you perspective on your own family and provides teaching moments with your child about empathy and tolerance. And, one of the best parts is seeing how proud your child is to show off their parents to their class!

If you ever thought about volunteering but felt unsure, this is your sign. JA makes it easy. The materials are clear, the students are eager and engaged, and teachers are there to support you every step of the way. Volunteering in the classroom isn’t just a way to give back. It’s a chance to inspire the next generation and be a part of something truly meaningful.