Junior Achievement of Alabama (JA) announced an ambitious $20 million capital campaign to construct downtown Birmingham’s McWane Economic Education Center. With a lead gift of $4 million from Will and Kaitlin McWane and the McWane Family, this transformative project will house two flagship experiential learning facilities: JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. These centers aim to empower 6th and 8th graders with essential skills for economic success.
The McWane Economic Education Center: A Hub for Hands-On Learning
Located at 6th Ave North and 22nd Street, the McWane Economic Education Center will serve as an educational learning lab, providing immersive experiences that prepare young people for the modern world. By bringing real-world companies, jobs, and scenarios into the classroom, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park will equip students with practical knowledge that inspires and prepares them for life beyond school.
Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Readiness
David Walker, Junior Achievement Board Chair and CEO of EBSCO Industries expressed his enthusiasm: “I am unaware of any educational program that has the potential to impact the lives of our students more than that to be provided by Junior Achievement through its soon-to-be-built JA BizTown and JA Finance Park facility. Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness programs will unlock the potential of tomorrow’s leaders. We are excited to deliver this opportunity to Birmingham and Central Alabama.”
Empowering 20,000 Students Annually
The capital campaign represents a significant investment for Birmingham and the underserved population. With state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programming, JA aims to reach 20,000 students each year in the new center, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Will McWane’s Vision
Will McWane emphasized the importance of JA’s mission: “The Junior Achievement program’s focus on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship is critical to young people. The immersive experience provided by the McWane Economic Education Center will create a lasting impression, equipping students with tools to maximize their own economic potential.”
JA BizTown and JA Finance Park: Real-World Learning
JA BizTown will simulate a mini-city where students take on roles as business owners, employees, and consumers, gaining firsthand experience in operating a business and managing finances. Meanwhile, JA Finance Park will provide personalized budgeting challenges, enabling students to navigate real-life financial decisions such as purchasing a car, securing housing, and managing investments.
Chip Reed, President of JA Alabama, expressed excitement about the groundbreaking initiative: “The McWane Economic Education Center will be a game-changer for students across central Alabama, offering immersive learning opportunities that inspire future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.” Jim Gorrie, Campaign Co-Chair, added, “Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century.”
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
