Volunteers urgently needed to teach financial literacy throughout Hawai‘i

The final chapter of Financial Literacy Month in Hawai‘i ended with the last day of April; however, there are still opportunities this school year for volunteers to equip youth throughout the state with practical skills in budgeting, saving, credit, investing and more.

Volunteers are sought by Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i to teach award-winning financial literacy and entrepreneurship curriculum to students throughout the islands.

“Last year, we had more than 200 volunteers in classrooms reaching more than 8,300 students in 372 kindergarten through 12th grade classes and after-school locations on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island and Maui,” said Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i President David Earles in a release about the volunteer need. “Our supporters tell us time and time again that connecting with these students through our interactive programing is one of the most rewarding experiences they have had.”

Volunteers are needed year-round; however, the most urgent needs before close of this school year are on Hawai‘i Island:

• Waiākea Elementary (Hilo): Two fourth-grade classes. Flexible times between 12:05 to 2:05 p.m. Mondays and Fridays in May. Two volunteers needed.
• Kea‘au Elementary: Six third-grade classes. Flexible dates and times in May. Six volunteers sought.
• Kaʻūmana Elementary (Hilo): Two kindergarten classes. From 12:15 to 1 p.m. and 1 to 1:45 p.m. back-to-back classes on Thursdays in May. Three volunteers needed.
• Kapi‘olani Elementary (Hilo): Three third-grade classes. Times are flexible. Preference is Tuesdays and/or Thursdays in May. Three volunteers sought.
• Kapi‘olani Elementary (Hilo): Three fourth-grade classes. Preferences are 12:10 to 1:10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 12:10 to 1 p.m. Wednesday and 12:05 to 1:05 p.m. Friday in May. Three volunteers needed.

Hawai‘i public schools, beginning with the class of 2030, will require the completion of financial literacy education to graduate, with implementation starting in the 2026–27 academic year.

Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i provides a ready-to-implement solution, with proven curriculum and volunteer support.

The organization’s personal finance program is designed for immediate classroom implementation. Its flexible model allows for teacher-led instruction and delivery by trained community volunteers, reducing the burden on educators while maintaining high-quality instruction.

Program curriculum is aligned with national standards and focused on real-world application.

Volunteering is fun and easy, with Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i providing 1-hour training and all materials necessary for success in the classroom for five, 45-minute in-person sessions.

Visit the Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i website for additional information about the organization and to sign up as a volunteer.