Building Financial Skills for Life
Junior Achievement Finance Park
Hi, I’m Amy.
I’m only in middle school,
but I know I need to be
financially smart for the
road ahead of me.
How do I live
within my
means
to stay financially
strong?
Financial Literacy Today
Since 2005, the American public has been spending
more money than it has earned after taxes.
Financial Literacy Today
60% of American teens do not know the difference
between cash, credit cards, and checks.
Financial Literacy Today
Only 6.9% of 12th grade students scored a grade of C
or better on a recent national financial literacy
survey….
and 62% failed.
Change is Happening
Many states have joined the movement to legislate financial
literacy as a core curriculum component.
The Commonwealth of Virginia passed Senate Bill 950 in 2005.
Similar bills in Maryland and the District of Columbia require
financial literacy education.
The Virginia Board of Education recently mandated the
implementation of financial literacy across middle and high school.
About Junior Achievement Worldwide
Since 1919, Junior Achievement (JA) has been inspiring and
preparing young people to succeed in a global economy.
JA provides in-school and after-school programs for students in
grades K-12.
JA specializes in financial literacy, work readiness, and
entrepreneurship.
JA Worldwide is the largest organization of its kind, reaching
over 9 million students annually.
About Junior Achievement in
Greater Washington
Junior Achievement of the National Capital Area reaches over
42,000 students in Greater Washington through experiential,
hands-on education to help young people acquire the financial
skills necessary to lead productive lives.
What drives JA?
Belief in the boundless potential of young people
Commitment to the principles of market-based economics
and entrepreneurship
Conviction in the educational and motivational impact of
relevant, hands-on learning
Belief in the power of partnership and collaboration
Welcome to the Finance Park Experience
Junior Achievement Finance Park provides a practical hands-on personal
budgeting simulation for middle school students.
The Finance Park Experience
Junior Achievement Finance Park, scheduled to
open in Spring 2010 in Fairfax Virginia, will be
the first of its kind in Greater Washington.
All 8th Graders in Fairfax County Public Schools
will complete Finance Park each year.
25% of the student population attending
Finance Park will be from low- and moderateincome families.
The Finance Park Experience
BEYOND THE SCHOOL YEAR
Once school is out, Finance Park will also
provide opportunities for adult financial
education and interactive summer camp
for kids.
The Finance Park Experience
Finance Park provides a practical hands-on personal
budgeting simulation for middle school students.
6 WEEKS
Intense Classroom
Preparation
• Understanding financial
institutions and taxes
• Learn to develop a
personal budget
FINANCE
PARK DAY!
2 WEEKS
Review of Finance
Park Visit
• Review of class material
and Finance Park
• Career considerations and
discussion
The Finance
Park Experience
INVESTMENTS
Students learn how including
investments in their savings plan
can help them reach long term
goals.
FINANCE
PARK DAY!
The Finance
Park Experience
INCOME TAX
The tax system impacts personal
budgeting and provides services
that are important for daily life.
FINANCE
PARK DAY!
The Finance
Park Experience
BUDGET CATEGORIES
Students learn to attach everyday
expenses to basic categories.
FINANCE
PARK DAY!
The Finance
Park Experience
NET MONTHLY INCOME
The art of budgeting begins with
Net Monthly Income.
FINANCE
PARK DAY!
The Finance
Park Experience
PERSONAL BUDGET
The art of sound living begins with
a monthly budget.
FINANCE
PARK DAY!
Reception Area
Welcome to all visiting students and
faculty!
Auditorium
Students are introduced to the
program and are assigned their reallife adult scenario: salary,
dependents, family requirements.
Town Center
Students build their monthly budget
by managing expenses at each
storefront. Storefronts represent
corporate-branded shops matched to
the students’ budget line-items.
Café
Students have lunch before returning
to the Town Center to continue
learning sessions.
Check-out
Each student completes the final
steps of balancing their budget.
Student Center
Students relax and explore exhibits
here to learn more about personal
finance while others continue to
check-out.
Other Spaces at Finance Park:
Executive Conference Room
Finance Park Offices
Floor Plan
Reception Area
Architecture & Interior
Design by Gensler.
Auditorium
Town Square
Café
Imagine a new generation
where young people…
know how to save, invest and budget.
know how to read the small print.
can reach their dreams by simply spending less than
they make and saving the difference.
can have the confidence to take control of their own
destiny by being financially fit for life.
Thank you for joining us as we lead the financial
literacy movement in Greater Washington.
Junior Achievement Finance Park