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.

to stay financially

strong?

How do I live within my

means

Since 2005, the American public has been spending

more money than it has earned after taxes.

Financial Literacy Today

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 HappeningMany 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 WashingtonJunior 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 moderate-income 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.

FINANCEPARK DAY!

• Understanding financial institutions and taxes• Learn to develop a personal budget

• Review of class material and Finance Park• Career considerations and

discussion

Intense Classroom Preparation

6 WEEKSReview of Finance Park Visit

2 WEEKS

FINANCEPARK DAY!The Finance

Park Experience

INVESTMENTSStudents learn how including investments in their savings plan can help them reach long term goals.

FINANCEPARK DAY!The Finance

Park Experience

INCOME TAXThe tax system impacts personal budgeting and provides services that are important for daily life.

FINANCEPARK DAY!The Finance

Park Experience

BUDGET CATEGORIESStudents learn to attach everyday expenses to basic categories.

FINANCEPARK DAY!The Finance

Park Experience

NET MONTHLY INCOMEThe art of budgeting begins with Net Monthly Income.

FINANCEPARK DAY!The Finance

Park Experience

PERSONAL BUDGETThe art of sound living begins with a monthly budget.

Floor Plan

Reception AreaWelcome to all visiting students and faculty!AuditoriumStudents are introduced to the program and are assigned their real-life adult scenario: salary, dependents, family requirements.Town CenterStudents build their monthly budget by managing expenses at each storefront. Storefronts represent corporate-branded shops matched to the students’ budget line-items. CaféStudents have lunch before returning to the Town Center to continue learning sessions.Check-outEach student completes the final steps of balancing their budget.Student CenterStudents relax and explore exhibits here to learn more about personal finance while others continue to check-out.Other Spaces at Finance Park:Executive Conference RoomFinance Park Offices

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