Financial Literacy Programs in Tampa: Muma BizTown Featured on FOX 13
Financial Literacy Programs in Tampa Prepare Students for the Future: Muma BizTown Celebrates 20 Years of Impact
For more than two decades, financial literacy programs in Tampa have helped students build the skills they need to succeed in careers, manage money, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This impact was highlighted in a recent ABC Action News interview featuring Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s Muma BizTown, a nationally recognized experiential learning program that has now served more than 300,000 students across the region.
The segment featured Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay Vice President Olivier Millour alongside 5th grade student Rosie Barnhill, who recently completed the program and experienced firsthand what it means to run a business, manage finances, and collaborate as part of a working city.
How Financial Literacy Programs in Tampa Help Students Learn by Doing
Unlike traditional classroom instruction, programs like Muma BizTown immerse students in a fully simulated economy. Students take on roles such as CEO, CFO, journalist, or small business owner, where they must make real decisions about budgeting, teamwork, and operations.
Through this hands-on experience, students don’t just learn financial concepts—they apply them.
Rosie Barnhill, who served as Chief Financial Officer during her simulation, described how the experience reshaped her perspective.
“I think the most important thing I learned is how businesses have to cooperate and how you have to have bonds with different people to make your business successful.”
This type of experiential learning helps students understand not only how businesses operate, but how financial decisions affect organizations, communities, and individuals.
Experiential Learning Builds Career Readiness and Confidence
Financial literacy is only part of the impact. Programs like Muma BizTown also introduce students to career pathways they may never have considered.
Rosie explained that before participating, she was primarily focused on running her assigned business. But through interacting with nonprofit leaders and interviewing local philanthropist Pam Muma, she discovered a deeper interest in community impact and leadership.
“Now I’m leaning toward helping the community more than I expected before.”
These experiences help students develop confidence, leadership skills, and a broader understanding of how they can contribute to Tampa Bay’s future workforce.
Strengthening Tampa Bay’s Workforce Through Public-Private Partnerships
The long-term success of financial literacy programs in Tampa is made possible through strong partnerships between educators, corporate volunteers, and community leaders.
“These programs are all about creating public-private partnerships that support the next generation,” said Olivier Mellor during the interview. “They inspire students to think differently about their futures and prepare them to become leaders in our workforce and our community.”
These partnerships ensure that students gain exposure to real-world career environments, while businesses help cultivate the next generation of talent.
Celebrating 20 Years of Preparing Tampa Bay Students for Economic Mobility
The Fox13 News segment coincides with the 20th anniversary of Muma BizTown, a milestone that reflects the program’s sustained impact on Tampa Bay’s students and economy.
Since its launch, the program has helped hundreds of thousands of students develop essential life skills, including:
Budgeting and financial decision-making
Leadership and teamwork
Career exploration
Communication and problem-solving
These skills form the foundation of economic mobility and workforce readiness.
Students like Rosie represent the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who will shape Tampa Bay’s economy in the decades ahead.
How You Can Support Financial Literacy and Career Readiness in Tampa Bay
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s programs are made possible through the support of educators, volunteers, and community partners.
You can help expand access to financial literacy and experiential learning opportunities for students across Tampa Bay.
Learn more about how to support Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s mission.
