At the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business, leadership and community service go hand in hand. Every fall, the Barney Leadership Council (BLC) organizes Junior Achievement (JA) Day, a signature event that introduces freshmen to leadership and real-world experience. By volunteering in local classrooms, students teach valuable lessons in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness—while developing critical skills themselves.

Junior Achievement is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need for future success. Through hands-on activities and mentorship, JA helps students from kindergarten to high school explore topics like personal finance, business ownership, and career pathways. At UHart, every Barney freshman participates in JA Day as part of their introduction to the business school, making this a unique tradition that blends experiential learning with community impact.

Behind the scenes, the BLC plays an essential role in making the event a success. From the moment freshmen step onto campus, BLC members work to prepare them for this responsibility. They distribute teaching kits, host training workshops, and guide students through the entire process.

“Junior Achievement isn’t just about teaching younger students—it’s about helping our freshmen grow into the kind of leaders who can make a difference,” said a member of the BLC.

Months before JA Day, the BLC begins coordinating with Junior Achievement representatives to align on goals, materials, and schedules. They plan every detail, ensuring a smooth experience for both the freshmen and the elementary schools involved. On the morning of the event, BLC members arrive early to check in freshmen, distribute materials, and answer any last-minute questions. Throughout the day, they remain on-site, troubleshooting issues and cheering on their peers.

As a member of BLC myself I can say “We guide the freshmen through every step, from preparing materials to ensuring they feel confident leading JA sessions in local classrooms,”.

For Barney freshmen, JA Day is often their first opportunity to take on a leadership role outside the classroom. Paired with local elementary school students, they deliver interactive lessons that range from creating simple budgets to exploring different career paths. Many freshmen feel nervous at first, but the BLC’s support makes all the difference.

“We’re like their safety net,” a BLC member added. “We make sure they know what to do and feel comfortable stepping into their leadership roles.”

The event isn’t just impactful for the elementary students, who get a glimpse of what their futures could hold—it’s also transformative for the freshmen. By the end of the day, many come away with a new sense of confidence and accomplishment.

“It’s inspiring to see the growth in our freshmen,” said a Barney professor. “They start the day unsure, but by the end, they’re leading with confidence and connecting with their students in meaningful ways.”

Junior Achievement Day has become a proud tradition at the Barney School of Business, reflecting the school’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. For many freshmen, it’s a defining moment in their college journey—and for the BLC, it’s a chance to showcase the power of teamwork and leadership.

“Watching our freshmen take on this challenge and succeed is inspiring,” Barney Professor said. “It’s proof that leadership starts here, at UHart.”