The SunTrust Foundation announced a three-year partnership with Junior Achievement of Greater Washington (JA) and a $1.5 million grant to support JA Finance Park, an innovation in experiential education designed to engage middle school students and prepare them for life and work outside of school. With this grant, the SunTrust Foundation will become the JA Finance Park signature partner at two locations in Fairfax, Virginia, and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
 
JA Finance Park combines in-classroom curriculum with an interactive “mini-city” where students experience the challenges of making real-life financial decisions. This experience lays the foundation for how they approach their future financial responsibilities and navigate success in the modern economy.
 
“The SunTrust Foundation’s committed partnership gives JA the ability to empower over 50,000 students a year across Greater Washington to develop financial management skills and take charge of their financial life,” said Ed Grenier, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. “JA Finance Park’s success is a testament to the public-private venture model that brings together businesses and school systems to prepare our local students for the future. By partnering with the SunTrust Foundation, we look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to impact our region’s next generation of leaders.”
 
JA Finance Park is a collaboration between the Greater Washington region’s school systems, businesses, educators and volunteer mentors, who come together to inspire, guide and teach students how to be financially responsible. Students leave JA Finance Park equipped to make financial decisions related to income, expenses, savings and credit.
 
“The SunTrust Foundation is committed to providing financial education in our communities,” said Stan Little, president of the SunTrust Foundation. “Our partnership with Junior Achievement will give youth financial skills and confidence for their future success as adults.”
 
“Our SunTrust team actively volunteers throughout our communities,” said Dan O’Neill, SunTrust Bank Mid-Atlantic division president. “We’re looking forward to expanding our volunteerism to JA Finance Park in Fairfax and Prince George’s County to help more students gain financial confidence.”