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Junior Achievement of Greater Miami (JA Miami) and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) have announced their signature “Partnership for Success,” a transformative initiative designed to equip K-12 students with essential skills in financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship.
Supported by a three-year, $300,000 grant, this initiative connects classroom learning, delivered in conjunction with community volunteers, to real-world applications, empowering students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
“This collaboration is a testament to what’s possible when education and community partners share a vision,” said Lourdes de la Mata Little, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Miami. “Partnership for Success creates opportunities for students, 77 percent living below the poverty line, to be inspired, prepared, and empowered to succeed financially. It better equips them for financial success, and ultimately helps to break the cycle of poverty for those in our program.”
A collaborative vision for student success
“Partnership for Success” is the first formal initiative of its kind between Junior Achievement and a school district, blending JA Miami’s legacy of experiential learning with M-DCPS’s mission of academic excellence. Together, these organizations are creating a scalable model within the nation’s third largest school district, addressing systemic inequities, and ensuring all students have access to the resources and skills needed for lifelong success.
Key program focus areas:
Financial literacy: Age-appropriate programs teach students budgeting, saving, and investing, starting with “JA Ourselves” in kindergarten, and progressing to advanced high school courses, the JA Stock Market Challenge, and the Student Managed Investment Portfolio.
Workforce readiness: Career exploration events, mentorship opportunities, and Job Shadow Days help middle and high school students align their talents with the demands of today’s workforce.
Entrepreneurship: Programs like the JA Company Program and district-wide competitions provide students with hands-on experience in starting and managing their own businesses, which foster innovation, leadership, social responsibility, and creativity.
“M-DCPS’s partnership with Junior Achievement aligns with our mission to prepare students for life beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, M-DCPS superintendent of schools.
“This initiative will empower students with critical skills and support our educators in guiding their futures.”
Creating value through collaboration
By combining the expertise, networks, and resources of JA Miami and M-DCPS, Partnership for Success demonstrates how collaborative models can create far-reaching benefits for students, educators, and communities. This partnership is structured to maximize efficiency and impact, ensuring every program delivers meaningful outcomes.
Key highlights include:
Expanding opportunities: The initiative extends JA Miami’s reach in underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to life-changing programs, and allowing each student to go deeper into JA’s programming.
Building stronger communities: By equipping students with financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills, the program helps foster economic mobility and social vitality.
Empowering educators: Teachers gain access to professional development opportunities, including a Summer Institute and robust support networks, enhancing their ability to deliver transformative learning experiences.
Driving systemic change: “Partnership for Success’ establishes a replicable public-private partnership model that can be scaled to other districts nationwide.
Launch and future plans
“Partnership for Success” is a three-year program that will run through June 30, 2027, with plans to expand its reach and impact in the coming years. This partnership reflects the power of shared vision and collaboration, ensuring that students across Miami-Dade County are prepared to succeed in school, work, and life.
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