MetLife Foundation Funds New Jersey’s First Junior Achievement BizTown®
Million Dollar Grant To Junior Achievement of New Jersey Supports A Program That Brings ‘Economics of Life’ To Life To Students
Princeton, December 12, 2013 /3BL Media/ – On Sunday, December 8 at MetLife Stadium, Junior Achievement of New Jersey was presented a $1 million grant by MetLife Foundation to own and operate a JA BizTown® program in the state of New Jersey.
The MetLife JA BizTown® of New Jersey combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town. Through the help of corporate and community volunteers at the simulation, the students will learn first-hand what it is like to run a business and be a consumer while being mentored by adult role models. The JA professional team of New Jersey trains the educators and provides all of the curriculum and programming at no cost to the schools. This national capstone program allows students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor. It helps students to connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.
“It was so cool to be holding a $1 million check! I’ve had JA volunteers in my classroom ever since I was a little kid,” explained a sixth-grader from Lincoln School in Newark, who will be visiting the MetLife JA BizTown in June 2014. “I’m excited to learn more about how businesses are run by actually working in one for a day. I plan to be a CEO!”
“I’m going to be a professional athlete,” another student chimed in. “But if that doesn’t work out, I’m going to run my own sports academy!”
“Receiving this incredibly generous contribution from MetLife Foundation is a testament to the great work JA is doing across the country and here in New Jersey. The return on investment is that thousands of children and their children’s children will benefit from this gift because we reach kids at such an early age, and leave life long impressions. We empower young people to own their economic success so they can be productive and responsible citizens, savvy leaders and successful entrepreneurs,” said Catherine Milone, President, Junior Achievement of New Jersey.
JA of New Jersey will pilot the program in the classroom during the spring 2014 semester with select schools, culminating with field trips to the simulated town in early June next year.
“It is our responsibility to ensure a strong and sustainable economy now and for the future. MetLife Foundation is committed to programs like JA BizTown® because we believe that sound financial knowledge is the first step in building a rich financial future,” said Dennis White, CEO and president of MetLife Foundation.
“Junior Achievement has a long standing history of providing these types of programs and services to young people. Their programs are always evolving with the times and it is through experiential learning programs like their BizTown model that our kids will truly benefit,” he said.
The event was attended by Junior Achievement of NJ, Lincoln School representatives, MetLife Foundation and the Snowflake Foundation. MetLife Foundation is a long-time supporter of Junior Achievement and is also proud to bring additional support to the work of the Snowflake Foundation, in providing vital opportunities for youth in NY/NJ.
About Junior Achievement of New Jersey
Junior Achievement of New Jersey is dedicated to giving 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. They provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JANJ reached 44,799 students in 2013 in more than 71 school districts across the New Jersey. For more information visit us at www.janj.org. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million over the next five years to help build a secure future for individuals and communities around the world. MetLife Foundation is affiliated to MetLife, Inc. a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.
