Students in Amber Hall’s business-communications class at Littleton High School were all about fun and games March 5, and Hall approved.

She described the game as a hybrid of bingo and go fish, but the cards weren’t just numbers and colors. Rather, they said things like “need associate’s degree” and “must be able to climb hills carrying equipment.”

The idea was to familiarize the kids with careers like glazier, information-systems analyst and surveyor — “Different types of careers they might not have thought of,” said Hall.

The game is part of a larger picture, a public/private partnership that brings resources into the classroom that might otherwise not be available The work-readiness program created by Junior Achievement is being piloted at 15 locations nationwide. Underwritten by a $1.1 million grant from business-consulting firm Accenture, it’s designed to teach students skills to get and keep a long-term career.

“It helps students connect different career opportunities and soft skills, like communication and emotional intelligence, with what we learn in the class,” said Hall.

Julie McLean, director of financial education at Arapahoe Credit Union, puts the “business” into business communications. She’s been volunteering in Hall’s class for six years.

“We support the schools a lot,” she said, teaching the kids about things like financial literacy and avoiding identity theft.

The kids say they like the materials because they’re interactive and engaging, not just busy work.

“We’re actually doing something, not just sitting here,” said Miles Simons.

Which is great for antsy high-schoolers who often still have trouble with the game card for information-systems analyst: “Must be able to spend long hours sitting at a desk.”

“Having fun is good, but you’ve got to be engaged so I know you’re learning,” Hall told the class.

Since it’s a pilot program, the kids are asked to fill out an evaluation survey at the end of each class so JA knows how it’s going.

“They like having a voice in the process,” said Hall.

The kids are clearly learning some practical skills, even if just from colorful posters hanging around the room. One offers modern-day interview tips like proper display of body piercings. Apparently one or two is OK, but no more than six — and no tongue jewelry, “as it might become a distraction.”

The kids are listening.

“I’ve learned about professionalism, and how to tell if people are telling me the truth or not through nonverbal communication,” said student Luis Holguin.