Junior Achievement of Central Iowa has received a $250,000 contribution from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation. This gift will be will put in to the Junior Achievement of Central Iowa endowment fund.
The investment income will annually support JA BizTown®, an 18-hour program where elementary school students operate banks, manage restaurants, earn paychecks, invest, donate to non-profits and vote for mayor. The gift will also provide annual support of JA Finance Park®, another 18-hour program where teenage students are given a life scenario and decide on buying a house vs. renting, how much to spend at the grocery store, how much to save for retirement and much more. Both programs culminate with a day long simulation at the Junior Achievement facility.
“This gift is in recognition of the outstanding work and commitment of Junior Achievement in addressing vital and pressing needs of our community,” said the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation.
“We are honored the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation has chosen our mission to extend Mr. Jacobson’s legacy of changing lives,” said Ryan Osborn, President of Junior Achievement of Central Iowa. “This gift will inspire young Iowans to believe in themselves and empower them to succeed in global economy.” Over 7,000 students are signed up to experience JA BizTown this school year and plans are underway for a pilot of JA Finance Park this coming spring.
About Junior Achievement of Central Iowa
Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Iowa, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that inspires young people to believe in themselves and empowers them to succeed in a global economy. JA of Central Iowa helps Kindergarten-12th grade students connect what they learn in school with the working world while fostering financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA of Central Iowa serves students through a dedicated network of volunteers in 27 Central Iowa Counties. For more information about Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, please visit www.jacentraliowa.org.
About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in 109 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.
(Tracy Zimmerman/Junior Achievement)
