CLAY COUNTY – The Junior Achievement of Florida Foundation has announced it has received a $70,000 grant from State Farm. The statewide initiative will support Junior Achievement learning experiences in eight localities throughout Florida, including Clay County, enabling thousands of young people to participate in JA’s nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences.

State Farm has supported Junior Achievement in Florida for the past eight years, with contributions to their programs totaling over $440,000 to fund financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial-focused learning experiences for youths.

“Financial literacy education is critical to inspiring and preparing our next generation of leaders in order to help them build stronger and more resilient communities,” said Jose Soto, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “We are proud to support Junior Achievement K-12 financial literacy and career readiness program across Florida.”

JA of North Florida will use the support to advance the learning experiences most needed in their region to provide personal finance, introducing high school students to the relationship between today’s financial decisions and future financial freedom.

The JA Florida Foundation areas have worked with local State Farm representatives to build an interactive career exploration booth for the JA Inspire Career Expo. This virtual platform allows students to explore over 100 business and education booths and listen to dynamic speakers. Live virtual interaction days are scheduled where students can ask volunteers industry-related questions. More than 25,000 students will participate across the state.