BREAKING GROUND: BUILDING FUTURE-READY YOUTH FOR A FUTURE-READY NORTHEAST 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.
The JA ELC: A First-of-Its-Kind Learning Hub for Northeast 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 across Northeast Florida.
Not Just a Building: A Movement for the Future.
In deliberate partnership and collaboration with our region's leading industries, employers, and educational institutions, we are building the infrastructure for economic mobility, workforce readiness, and long-term prosperity.
What Makes the ELC Different
Scale. Access. Audience. The ELC is designed not just to inspire individual students but to create Future-Ready Ecosystems — connecting schools, businesses, and communities to tackle workforce readiness at scale. The ELC model redefines how our community prepares its future workforce.
Career-Connected Learning: Students gain real-world skills through immersive simulations.
A Proven Model: 20+ years of national success across 50+ JA areas.
Scalable Impact: Designed to reach every student in the region.
Aligned to State Standards: Easy for schools to integrate and implement.
A FACILITY: WHERE STUDENTS PRACTICE LIFE
The JA Experiential Learning Center (ELC) is a "living classroom" where the gap between school and the region’s workforce disappears. The ELC features state-of-the-art, student-sized “towns” and life experiences designed with intentional educational outcomes.
Through interactive exhibits and facilitated simulations, students don't just learn about the future, they practice it.
By navigating authentic “ town storefronts,” students learn about:
Real companies and industries in Northeast Florida
Unexplored and emerging careers of the future
Impact of critical life decisions
Actionable pathway to an opportunty-filled future
PROGRAMS: A Robust & Stacked Learning Journey
The ELC is home to three unique programs that create a powerful, "stacked" learning journey from elementary through high school. Far more than a one-time visit, the ELC leverages strategic program progression and comprehensive in-class curriculum to build student capability at every milestone.
Students take on adult roles, run businesses and manage finances. They see firsthand how learning connects to life. (Grades 4-6)
Students manage real-world budgets, explore careers, and understand how education impacts income and lifestyle choices. (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
Student Engagement & Growth Mindset: Students develop agency, curiosity, and belief in their ability to succeed.
Transferable Skills & Competencies: Students build essential workforce and life skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, and financial decision-making.
Educational & Academic Attainment: Students recognize the relevance of schoolwork and are motivated to achieve more academically.
Access to Networks & Opportunities: Students build social capital and connect with employers who expand their vision of what’s possible.
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
We are calling on all Jacksonville community leaders, philanthropists, and business partners
$15M
TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL
$4M
RAISED TO DATE
$9M
NEEDED TO BREAK GROUND
WHY YOUR INVESTMENT MATTERS
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 the students in our community 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.