A rendering of the JA McWane Economic Education Center. (Goodwyn Mills Cawood)

Today, Junior Achievement (JA) of Alabama announced its plans to bring the JA McWane Economic Education Center to downtown Birmingham and launched a $20M capital campaign to fund the facility.

Read on to learn more about this development.

Introducing the JA McWane Economic Education Center

When I was in elementary school in Middle Tennessee, I remember looking forward to the year that my class would visit JA BizTown in Nashville.

In the weeks leading up to our visit, we learned how to write checks, operate businesses, vote for mayor and other civic duties—all to prepare us for an exciting day in a small-scale simulated town.

Soon, students in schools surrounding Birmingham will have the opportunity to learn those same skills—in a fun, interactive environment—at the JA McWane Economic Education Center in Birmingham.

“Junior Achievement of Alabama is thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking initiative to enhance economic education in our community.

The McWane Economic Education Center will be a game-changer for students across Central Alabama, offering immersive learning opportunities that inspire future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.”
Chip Reed, President, JA Alabama

Designed to serve as a real-life replica of an American city, the JA McWane Economic Education Center will feature two learning labs: JA BizTown and JA Finance Park.

These two facility will be utilized by the JA Capstone Programs, which combine classroom learning with a hands-on site experience to help students understand potential next generation pathways at two pivotal times during their education.

As a replica of a city, the JA BizTown and JA Finance Park facilities will have opportunites for companies to have their own storefront simulated throughout the building through their support of JA’s capital campaign.

Several partners have already signed on, including:

The McWane Family
Regions Bank
The Beeson Community Fund
And more

To be located in downtown Birmingham

Set to be located at Sixth Avenue North and 22nd Street, the JA McWane Economic Education Center will target school systems within a one-hour drive of Birmingham, with the goal of reaching 20,000 students per year.

To learn more about the facility, its goals and how to contribute to the capital campaign, visit the JA McWane Economic Education Center website.