BREAKING GROUND: BUILDING FUTURE-READY YOUTH FOR A FUTURE-READY NORTH FLORIDA
The JA Experiential Learning Center
A transformational, experiential learning center (ELC) where learning comes alive. Preparing 30,000+ students each year with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.
RE-ENGINEERING EDUCATION TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC MOBILITY
A Gap Between School and the Real World
Across the country, students are graduating without the practical knowledge and real-world readiness needed to succeed. Employers struggle to find talent. Young people struggle to find pathways. Communities feel the impact.
Junior Achievement bridges the gap through immersive, hands-on learning that connects classroom concepts to future success. For more than 100 years, JA has equipped young people with financial capability, career confidence, and the mindsets needed for economic mobility.
Why JA, Why Now
Junior Achievement is the steadfast organization in the region that is best positioned to do what we are going to do with the ELC. We are ready to go. We know the need is there. And the time to act is now.
The JA ELC: A First-of-Its-Kind Learning Hub for North Florida
Located on FSCJ’s downtown campus, the JA Experiential Learning Center (ELC) will be a 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility serving 30,000+ students annually from Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.
Not Just a Building: A Movement for the Future
We are building infrastructure for economic mobility, workforce readiness, and long-term prosperity for our entire region.
What Makes the ELC Different
Scale. Access. Audience.
This is an opportune way for companies in the region to engage with students earlier in the talent recruitment pipeline. It provides an opportunity and platform for organizations to share their story, present career opportunities and get young people excited for their future.
Career-Connected Learning: Students gain real-world skills through immersive simulations.
A Proven Model: 20+ years of national success across 50+ JA regions.
Scalable Impact: Designed to reach every student in the region.
Aligned to State Standards: Easy for schools to integrate and implement.
A fully interactive free-market simulation where students become business leaders, employees, and consumers — managing jobs, budgets, and responsibilities. (Grades 4–6)
Students experience real-life economic decision-making as they navigate personal finance, budgeting, saving, and investing. (Grades 7–12)
A dynamic, responsive career exploration experience that helps students identify pathways and build the confidence to pursue them. (Grades 10–12)
THE IMPACT
The region’s economic future depends on a prepared, empowered generation. The ELC ensures every young person, regardless of zip code, can access skills, networks, and opportunities that lead to choice-filled lives.
To create a best-in-class experiential learning center that redefines how education and workforce readiness intersect in North Florida.
30,000+ students served annually
4 counties reached (is it 6?)
35,000 sq. ft. facility
89% of JA alumni say the program helped them believe they can achieve their goals
88% say JA influenced their career path
98% say it reinforced the importance of education
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
The ELC will serve 30,000+ students annually from across Duval, Nassau, Clay, and St. Johns counties, making it a regional hub for career-connected learning and financial capability education.
Location: Downtown Jacksonville, on FSCJ's campus, 50-year low-cost land lease on 3 acres with 35,000 sqft. for programs and administration
We are calling on all Jacksonville community leaders, philanthropists, and business partners
$XXM
TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL
$XXM
RAISED TO DATE
$XXM
NEEDED TO BREAK GROUND
WHY YOUR INVESTMENT MATTERS
This Is Not a Field Trip. It’s a Long-Term Workforce Investment.
The ELC will connect education to economic outcomes, preparing tens of thousands of young people to become the employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders our region needs.
Your support:
Builds a pipeline of skilled, confident young people
Strengthens the regional workforce
Drives economic mobility
Creates generational impact
Let’s Build the Future Together
Be Part of the Vision
Your contribution and involvement will directly shape the future of more than 30,000 students every year. We are empowering a generation and strengthening North Florida’s economic future.
Join us to be a part of the movement!
CONTACT JANFL
Shannon Italia, President
Contact us to learn more about the ELC, explore naming and sponsor opportunities, or schedule a meeting.
(904) 904-9044