They may not have perfected their stock portfolios just yet, but students at Spring Park Elementary School are definitely pocketing smart financial tips thanks to the “JA in a Day” program that took place on Wednesday.
“JA in a Day” is a special collaboration among the school district, Junior Achievement (JA), and EverBank. Through the program, students as young as kindergartners receive lessons on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.
The event at Spring Park Elementary on Wednesday was held for students in grades 3-4. It featured a pep rally with Jackson Deville and financial literacy lessons where students learned about the value of saving, investing, and donating money.
Spring Park Elementary Principal Davina Parker says it’s never too early to teach kids about finances.
“It’s really important to teach our children about financial health and wellness, and about financial planning, even at this age, as they’re thinking about their careers and what they want to be when they grow up,” Parker said. “It’s a good time for them to even dream big about their finances and how they’re going to support themselves and their families.”
Spring Park Elementary is one of 90 DCPS schools with a JA partnership. More than 41,000 students had the opportunity to participate in JA financial literacy programs during the 2022-23 school year.
“We’re reaching more students and reaching more schools, and we cannot do that without the partnership of Duval County Public Schools,” said Tiffany Guthrie, JA Vice President of Programs and Partnerships. “Truly everybody is here for this next generation and it gets me excited to see that all of us believe in pouring into these students.”