SunTrust Invests $1.7 Million in Junior Achievement Finance Park to Bring Financial Education to Students in Tampa
Donation is Largest in Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s History
TAMPA – With a historic $1.7 million grant, SunTrust today joined Junior Achievement (JA) and other business, education and civic organizations in launching JA Finance Park presented by SunTrust, a financial literacy and career readiness center in Tampa. The gift, made by the SunTrust Foundation, supports the creation of a 16,000 square foot facility which will give middle school students valuable lessons in money management and the world of work by letting them run a “micro-city” for the day. In partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, JA Finance Park presented by SunTrust will teach more than 15,000 area middle school students each year the importance of personal budgeting and career readiness.
“We are excited to partner with Junior Achievement to bring financial education to life for young people. Through this program students will make real life financial decisions and learn lessons that we hope will last a lifetime,” said Allen Brinkman, president and chief executive officer of SunTrust’s West Florida Division speaking on behalf of the SunTrust Foundation. “JA Finance Park presented by SunTrust puts our purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being into action for students throughout Hillsborough County.”
JA Finance Park presented by SunTrust gives secondary school students the opportunity to experience potential personal financial futures first-hand. Upon entering the center, students receive a ‘life situation’ with job, income, education, and family scenarios. Based on their adult persona, students visit businesses in the simulation to gather information to make financial decisions, such as managing a household budget, using banking services, and making purchasing and investment decisions.
“SunTrust’s investment is the largest in JA Tampa Bay’s fifty year history, laying the foundation for our $4.6 million capital campaign to bring the JA Finance Park experience to more students,” added Richard George, president of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. “Together with the business and education communities, JA Finance Park presented by SunTrust will provide meaningful opportunities that engage students and equip them to become financially independent, building a better future for themselves and the community.”
Construction on JA Finance Park presented by SunTrust is expected to begin within a year and in consultation with Hillsborough County it will be located in the University Area Community Development. As a presenting sponsor of JA Finance Park, SunTrust teammates will be among the volunteers helping guide students through the experience.
About the SunTrust Foundation
The SunTrust Foundation provides grants to not-for-profit organizations that include the areas of education, health and human services, civic and cultural activities. The SunTrust Foundation is focused on grants that support financial education and financial well-being initiatives in many communities. In addition, the SunTrust Foundation supports the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts to help heal and rebuild a community after tragedy strikes, and is also a Global Corporate Leader with United Way. Established in 2008, the SunTrust Foundation has provided grants of more than $100 million throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
About Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Junior Achievement is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to teaching 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. Last year, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay reached 94,579 students in the Tampa Bay area. Visit jatampabay.org for more information.
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Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Junior Achievement: Empowering young people to own their economic success ®
