Ed Grenier

President and CEO Junior Achievement of the National Capital Area

Recent events have brought much-needed attention to the importance of financial literacy education for youth. This has been an integral part of Junior Achievement's mission for 89 years. Locally, we are piloting a facility-based, experiential learning program with middle school students called FINANCE PARK. The curriculum, already available in 14 cities throughout the country, is a reality-based, hands-on simulation that helps students build a foundation for intelligent personal financial decision-making. Students visit FINANCE PARK (a mobile unit facility presently sponsored by Capital One) after completing five weeks of curriculum instruction in the classroom. Students then spend the day in FINANCE PARK making financial decisions and constructing a personal budget for housing, food, savings, transportation, entertainment, healthcare, utilities, clothing, education, and charitable giving. By late 2009, we have plans to open a permanent FINANCE PARK facility in Greater Washington to deliver the financial literary education so important to the future success of our young people. JA is always open to suggestions - we'd like to hear yours!