Junior Achievement Receives Grant to Teach Financial Literacy

McLaughlin Middle/High School in Lake Wales is among the schools that will benefit from an effort by Junior Achievement.

The JA of Florida Foundation has received a $70,000 grant from State Farm to support a statewide statewide initiative of learning experiences in eight localities throughout Florida, enabling thousands of young people to participate in JA's nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences.

At McLaughlin School the Principles of Entrepreneurship class will be incorporating JA's Personal Finance for high school students. JA's Economics for Success will be used with middle school classes. JA's mission is to partner with businesses and community members to make an impact in the lives of the students of Polk County Public Schools.

State Farm has been a supporter of Junior Achievement in Florida for the past eight years with contributions to their programs totaling over $440,000. whi go towards funding financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurial-focused learning experiences for youths.

"Financial literacy education is critical to inspiring and preparing our next generation of leaders in order to help them build stronger and more resilient communities" said Jose Soto, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. "We are proud to support Junior Achievement K-12 financial literacy and career readiness program across Florida."

Each of the eight Florida-based JA areas will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their region.

JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota Counties, will use the support for JA BizTown, a capstone learning experience that introduces 5th graders to economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances. They act as employees and consumers, so from paying bills to handling customer service, they experience what it is like to earn and work in a community.

JA Finance Park, another capstone learning experience that is a real-life simulation, where students enter the game of life and apply financial concepts to balance their personal budget and learn to make choices that support their future goals.

3DE schools by Junior Achievement, the newest JA learning experience, teaches students in high school relevant business skills and core competencies through business case methodology.