The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation donates $20,000 to Junior Achievement of the Heartland, allowing more students to benefit from JA learning experiences

(Moline, IL) – Junior Achievement of the Heartland is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant to support core mission learning experiences in Scott and Rock Island counties. The grant, provided by The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, will play a pivotal role in empowering young minds and fostering financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship education.

Junior Achievement’s unique delivery system provides the training, materials, and support necessary to bolster the chances for student success. The impact is measurable, too. Students who participate in Junior Achievement learning experiences demonstrate a significant understanding of economics and business concepts.

Today's youth need guidance and instruction to increase their employability in the twenty-first century's competitive job market and to learn how to thrive in our modern global economy. In a recent survey of more than 800 high school juniors and seniors nationwide, 78% cited their parents as their main source of information for career guidance. They admitted, however, that their parents had spent less than 3 hours in the previous few months discussing the subject. Even students who successfully enter the world of work struggle to manage their finances. A 2023 study found that 75% of American teens lack confidence in their understanding of essential financial concepts such as credit, debt, and taxes.

Thanks to this $20,000 grant from The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, JA curriculum will impact over 21,000 students in Scott and Rock Island counties during the 2023-2024 school year. These programs are centered on financial literacy and help students gain a strong foundation for healthy money management skills. "We are thrilled to receive this grant, which reflects The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation’s commitment to education and empowering the next generation of leaders," said Dougal Nelson, President & CEO, JA of the Heartland. "This funding will allow us to enhance our efforts in providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world."

About Junior Achievement of the Heartland

Junior Achievement is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

Locally, Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 24 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Visit heartland.ja.org for more information.

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