Recent studies show that only 59 percent of young adults (18-21) pay their bills on time. Only about 34 percent of parents teach their children how to balance a checkbook or explain credit card rates. More than half of young adults feel that they are prepared to face the multifaceted world of this century. But Junior Achievement is out to change these statistics, along with the help of some generous donors.
Recent studies show that only 59 percent of young adults (18-21) pay their bills on time. Only about 34 percent of parents teach their children how to balance a checkbook or explain credit card rates. More than half of young adults feel that they are prepared to face the multifaceted world of this century. But Junior Achievement is out to change these statistics, along with the help of some generous donors.
Mission Federal Credit Union presented Junior Achievement a $1 million boost to start construction on the Mission Fed JA Finance Park in December. Much as the McGrath Family JA BizTown geared for young children, JA Finance Park will lead today's high schools with an intensive classroom curriculum followed by a one-day experience at the facility. With a San Diego business themed park, teens, young adults and families that participate in the program will use today's technology, provided a tablet and mobile apps, spending the day at the Park with a job at a San Diego business. Applying classroom curriculum, each teen will choose a profession, be given a family, a budget, work and bills to pay. Students will work, research and make the best choices for their hypothetical family based on the income they earn.
Joanne Pastula, CEO/president of Junior Achievement of San Diego County said that this project has been in its plans since opening JA BizTown in 2006. JA believes that utilizing the technology that students use daily is a key source in connecting what they learn in school and applying it to their individual lives. And JA Finance Park is considered one of JA most successful programs, helping more than 1 million students across the nation.
"This will give us an immediate opportunity to serve 15,000 more students each year," said Pastula.
Angie Lasagna, vice president of Community Relations for Mission Fed said that financial education is just one of the ways that Mission Fed gives back to the community in its commitment to financial education.
"High schools aren't always able to offer these types of economic courses that help students learn to budget their money," she said. "We want to do our part to help high school students gain the skills they'll need to manage their money and reach their goals as confident, successful members of the community, and we hope to do this for Mission Fed JA Finance Park in perpetuity."
Martha Phillips, project manager for JA San Diego said it is thankful to Mission Fed, Laurie and Carlee McGrath, the JA Board and staff who have all helped make the Park a reality for San Diego.
"Thanks to everyone who envisions this project as a vital community asset, helping San Diego teens, young adults, families and immigrants for a lifetime of financial success."
To find out more about the Mission Fed JA Finance Park, how to donate or volunteer go to www.jasandiego.org.
