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Junior Achievement of Greater Miami (JA Miami) and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) are proud to announce 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% 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 M-DCPS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “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.
About Junior Achievement of Greater Miami
At JA Miami, we believe that every child can be inspired and empowered to succeed financially. Our graduates are confident, practical, knowledgeable, and most importantly, prepared.
How? We know that we can change their path, and change their lives, by teaching kids about money: how to earn it, save it, spend it, and share it. We provide hands-on, in-school learning experiences in underserved Miami public schools, taught by community volunteers, in everything from budgeting and loans to career readiness and entrepreneurship. Free to students, delivered by us, and funded by partners and donors. We have been awarded Five Star Status by JA USA for exceptional performance, as well as the Miami Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 NOVO Award, and our global chapter has been nominated for the last three Nobel Peace Prizes.
For more information from Junior Achievement of Greater Miami, contact Annmarie Pisano at annmarie@pisanoslater.com.
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