Lakeland, FL — March 30, 2026 — Junior Achievement of Polk County, in partnership with Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) and local business and community leaders, broke ground on a new Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Polk County—an innovative, hands-on learning facility designed to equip students with real-world skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship.

The new Discovery Center will bring Junior Achievement’s nationally recognized programs—including Muma BizTown and JA Finance Park presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union—to Polk County, offering immersive experiences where students step into adult roles, manage budgets, run businesses, and make real-life financial decisions.

“Today marks more than the start of construction—it marks the beginning of new opportunities for students across Polk County,” said Dr. Melody Rider, President of ConnectED Polk. “The Discovery Center will be a place where students step into real-world experiences, where learning comes to life through hands-on exploration of careers, finances, and the skills they need to succeed.”

Strategically positioned between the Tampa and Orlando media markets, Polk County offers a unique opportunity to expand the reach and impact of Junior Achievement’s programming across Central Florida.

“When we first learned about this project, it was clear that it was more than just a building—it was an investment in our future and our community,” said Ashley Bell Barnett. “We are proud, as a family, to support this space that will inspire students, challenge them, and prepare them for what comes next in life.”

The project is made possible through the support of dedicated corporate partners, philanthropic leaders, and community stakeholders committed to advancing education and economic mobility in the region.

About Junior Achievement of Polk County

Junior Achievement of Polk County is a division of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. Junior Achievement is a for-impact nonprofit organization that delivers K–12 programming in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness through experiential learning programs including Muma BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE Schools, in partnership with school districts and the business community.

During the 2024–2025 school year, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay served 46,270 students across a 13-county region, delivering 1,834,796 total instructional contact hours. Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay is ranked #1 in the country for impact per student.