Moline is partnering with Junior Achievement of the Heartland to sponsor a City Hall storefront and bring real-life city government experience to the organization’s new JA BizTown.
The unique kid-sized educational Biztown is being created inside the new Junior Achievement Inspiration Center under construction at 6600 44th Ave., Moline. It’s located inside the Vibrant Credit Union headquarters, according to a City of Moline news release.
As part of the parties’ three-year sponsorship pact, Moline will contribute $10,000 annually to Junior Achievement. In return, the city will collaborate in the development and implementation of a city hall experience within JA BizTown. Through it, the city said it will provide a unique educational opportunity for young students to engage in civic duties and government functions.
“We are thrilled to welcome the City of Moline to JA BizTown,” JA of the Heartland President and CEO Dougal Nelson said in the release. “This partnership will not only enhance the realism and educational value of the JA BizTown experience but also strengthen our community by empowering young minds with the skills and knowledge they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
Moline Alderman At-Large James Patrick Schmidt said, “I’ve seen firsthand how JA can build confidence and teach skills that help to develop our students and our community.”
He added “Learning about civic engagement and personal finance are so important for students, and we’re excited that Moline can support that education in partnership with Junior Achievement of the Heartland.”
The new JA BizTown and the JA Inspiration Center will operate within the walls of the old Sam’s warehouse store that has been completely reimagined and remade as Vibrant Credit Union’s headquarters. The center is being brought to life in partnership with Russell Construction and Edwards Creative, the release said. They are leading the design and build out of the innovative space.
Once completed, the new center’s JA BizTown City Hall will immerse students in a hands-on, interactive environment where they will take on roles such as mayor, public works director, and parks & recreation director, the city’s release said. These student-elected and hired positions will offer an invaluable experiential learning platform, simulating real-life government operations and fostering an understanding of civic responsibility, the city added. The JA Inspiration Center will welcome the first students in October of this year.
Junior Achievement of the Heartland’s JA BizTown is a meticulously designed, kid-sized city that provides a vibrant and engaging educational experience. It aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy through practical, hands-on activities that introduce them to various aspects of running a business, managing personal finances, and contributing to their community.
