Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate their futures, drive the economy, and lead their communities.

Established in 1959 by the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club, JA has significantly expanded its reach, impacting over 1.2 million students since its inception.

JA offers a comprehensive suite of programs tailored to students from kindergarten through high school. These focus on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Programs are delivered by over 5,000 trained volunteers from the local community, including business professionals, parents, and college students.

Experiential Learning Facilities

A cornerstone of JA's educational approach is experiential learning, exemplified by the JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on the Broward College North Campus.

This state-of-the-art facility houses two innovative programs:

• JA BizTown: Designed for 5th-grade students, this program immerses participants in a miniature city where they assume roles as business owners, civic leaders, and consumers. Students gain a deep understanding of the free enterprise system, customer satisfaction, financial management, and profitability.
• JA Finance Park: Targeted at 8th-grade students, this provides a realistic simulation where students manage a fictional life scenario, including budgeting and financial decision-making. They learn the value of financial planning and the importance of staying in school to maximize earning potential.

Additional Programs

JA offers a variety of initiatives to prepare students for future success, including:

• JA Economics for Success: A middle school program introducing career planning and personal finance. It helps students develop self-awareness and understand the importance of education in achieving goals.
• JA Fellows: A high school program where students operate their own businesses, gaining real-world entrepreneurial experience and learning about business operations, financial management, and teamwork.

Community Engagement and Impact

JA's impact extends beyond the classroom through events and partnerships.

For instance, the organization hosts the annual Business Hall of Fame event to honor local business and community leaders who have positively influenced the South Florida community.

Through its diverse programs and community engagement, Junior Achievement of South Florida continues to equip young individuals with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving global economy.

Location

• Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA