The Center Link: Fall 2026
News from JMU Center for Economic Education & Your Economic Success (YES)
Center for Economic Education
James Madison University
REAL-WORLD BUSINESS CONNECTION: US apple exports rise as 2026/27 prodcution forecast declines
Topic: U.S. Apple Production
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Have students review the 2026–27 apple production forecast.
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Identify states where production increased or decreased.
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Discuss factors affecting production: weather, frost, labor, and technology.
Scenario: Your orchard’s production drops 40%. What would you do?
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Have students discuss impacts on costs, prices, and profits.
Wrap-up: Ask students to name one technology or management practice that could help growers reduce production risks.
Making Cents: A Classroom Mini Economy
October 5: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 pm
JMU Festival Allegheny Room
Harrisonburg, VA
Learn how to create a classroom mini economy where young entrepreneurs develop products or services, make decisions, and put their skills to the test in a real marketplace. Grades 2-5. Register
High School Day Camp: Personal Finance
Nov 20, 2026, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
George Mason University
Spend the day exploring personal finance through hands-on activities and classroom-ready resources. Discover engaging lessons aligned to EPF.1–EPF.18 and CE.11–CE.14, covering budgeting, credit, investing, taxes, behavioral finance, and more. Leave with practical resources, fresh ideas, and lunch on us. Register
A Festive evening of Greenery Economics
December 10: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Mill Creek Church of the Brethren
7600 Port Republic Rd
Port Republic , VA
Put your crafting skills to the test while creating a locally sourced greenery wreath, enjoying seasonal treats, and discovering ready-to-use economics lessons for the holidays. This popular workshop fills quickly, so register early. All Grades Welcome. Register
Virtual workshops
The Economics Between the Pages
Sept 16, 2026; 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Discover how today’s picture books can turn story time into meaningful lessons in economics and personal finance. Explore new titles, gather creative classroom resources, and get a first look at our new Book Club. Register
Student Opportunities
GEM Fair - April 20, 2027
Hosted annually by JMU, the Global Entrepreneurship Marketplace (GEM) Fair brings together mini-economies from elementary schools throughout the Central Shenandoah Valley in order to simulate an international marketplace. Planned events include a roll-call of the mini-economy nations, a market session and an awards ceremony. Registration Required
Upcoming Events
- Oct 5: Market Day GEM Fair Prep
- Nov 20: High School Personal Finance Day Camp
- Feb 5: High School Econ Day Camp
- Feb 12: Elementary Econ Day Camp
- Mar 11: YES - Young Entrepreneur Summit
- Apr 20: GEM Fair 2027
JMU's Center for Economic Education promotes economic literacy across Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley through teacher training, consultation and educational resources. Its work is supported by community partners, particularly Your Economic Success (YES), a nonprofit that funds a full-time teacher consultant and champions economic education. Additional support comes from Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County schools, making that region the Center’s primary service area. The Center also provides assistance throughout a broader area extending from Buena Vista-Lexington to Winchester. Beyond the local level, it collaborates with the Council for Economic Education and the Virginia Council on Economic Education.