From left, Alexis Wilson and Julissa Velaquez practice their banking skills.

FORT WAYNE — On Friday, Oct. 19, Leesburg Elementary School fifth-grade students visited the Junior Achievement BizTown in Fort Wayne. JA BizTown is an indoor mini-city, complete with a bank, city hall and multiple businesses. Students undergo a simulation experience in which they work a job, earn a salary, and purchase goods. Students must interact with others in their own business and travel across the mini-city to interact with other businesses as well.

For the last four weeks, students have been learning about how businesses, banks, government and consumers interact in a free enterprise economy. During their lessons, students gained understanding on how to apply for a bank account, fill out deposit slips, log transactions in a transaction record book and apply for loans.

They also learned about different payment methods such as paper, electronic, and plastic, and they learned about interest charged on borrowed payments over time. Over the course of their economics unit, students gained the knowledge necessary to make fiscally responsible choices.

Some awards that were given to Leesburg students included Citizen of The Day and Quality Business Award. Many students were able to give speeches on behalf of their business. Upon leaving BizTown, students had gained a better understanding on financial literacy and how to be a responsible, productive community member.