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Become a permanent part of the JA Barnett Family Discovery Center when you purchase an engraved brick! The 4×8 bricks will be installed between the two front entrance doors of the building. The Discovery Center is expected to be complete by Fall 2026.
There is a limited amount of bricks available. Purchase yours today!
How Community Partners Can Get Involved
Interested in sponsorship? Please fill out the form below to discuss philanthropic opportunities for brand placement. There are many opportunities to get involved with Junior Achievement of Polk County Discovery Center.
Giving Resources
Take a look at the different JA Discovery Center sponsorship opportunities or download our Pledge Form if you’re ready to make a donation.
What is the JA of Polk County Discovery Center?
The JA Polk Discovery Center will be an innovative facility consisting of two impactful learning experiences: Muma BizTown and JA Finance Park. The Plan for the JA Polk Discovery Center signifies a progressive move to enhance Polk County’s educational landscape.
The JA Polk Discovery Center aims to create a centralized hub for immersive and practical learning experiences. This approach streamlines access to transformative educational opportunities, contributing to Polk County’s reputation as a leader in innovative education and fostering well-rounded, future-ready individuals.
The proximity to the existing 3DE model that exists on the same campus at Tenoroc High School serves as an additional educational resource, contributing to the development of well-rounded and future-ready individuals in Polk County.
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A hands-on simulation where students run a city, manage finances, and operate businesses.
Muma BizTown gives students the opportunity to step into the real world before they even reach middle school. Through hands-on classroom lessons and a fully immersive one-day simulation, students learn how businesses operate, how to manage money, and how their decisions shape a community. By becoming CEOs, mayors, and citizens for the day, students gain confidence, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of their future potential.
Click here to explore how Muma BizTown prepares students for real-world success. -
Students make real-life budgeting decisions based on lifestyle scenarios.
Finance Park empowers students to take control of their financial future. Through interactive lessons and a realistic simulation, students learn how education, career choices, and financial decisions impact their quality of life. They build budgets, manage expenses, and experience the real consequences of everyday financial choices—developing the confidence and skills needed to navigate adulthood with clarity and purpose.
Click here to see how Finance Park builds lifelong financial confidence. -
A high school model connecting business leaders with students through case-based learning.
3DE Schools reimagine high school by connecting classroom learning to real business challenges. Students work alongside corporate partners to solve authentic problems, develop critical thinking skills, and build the confidence needed for college and career success. This multi-year model accelerates academic outcomes, expands opportunity, and prepares students to thrive in today’s workforce.
Click here to learn how 3DE is transforming education and career readiness.
The Mission
At Junior Achievement we believe in “possible.” Each day, we work to help young people discover what’s possible in their lives. We do this by helping them connect what they learn in school with life outside the classroom. We let them know it’s possible to invest in their future, to gain a better understanding of how the world works, and to pursue their dreams. We show them that it’s possible for tomorrow to be a better day.
The Vision is to give young people the mindset and skillset to build thriving communities.
The Need
Economic Landscape:
Polk County’s diverse and growing economy requires a workforce equipped with essential life skills, such as financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Educational Gaps:
Addressing specific gaps in the local educational system, Junior Achievement’s programs tailor learning experiences to the unique needs of students in Polk County.
Job Market Dynamics:
The rapidly evolving job market necessitates a proactive approach to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities specific to the county.
Community Engagement:
JA’s emphasis on community engagement and mentorship fosters a sense of responsibility and connectivity among students, creating a positive impact beyond the classroom.