ST. PAUL, Minn.– The Affinity Plus Foundation again has provided funding and expertise to Junior Achievement of Upper Minnesota so Minnesota students can participate in its innovative financial-literacy programming.
“Junior Achievement wonderfully demonstrates how to make financial literacy come alive for young people,” said Amy Hanson, foundation executive director. “Their diverse programming gives students the knowledge, tools and experience to succeed wherever they begin in life, and wherever they may desire to go.”
JAUM, with headquarters in Maplewood, Minn., serves K-12 students and connects teachers to a variety of curriculum options related to personal finance, college and career readiness and entrepreneurship.
Program options include a variety of in-classroom presentations and hands-on programs held at JAUM’s headquarters, including the unique JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Students also have opportunities for site-based job shadows, business-planning experiences and summer camps.
“These types of learning opportunities are so beneficial for students and it’s a great foundation for becoming financially sound adults,” said Matt Thyne, Affinity Plus member advisor and financial educator.
“I love being a part of these experiences with students,” said Teri Schertz, Affinity Plus investment center coordinator and financial educator. She noted how engaging the BizTown and Finance Park programs are.
At right, as part of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s partnership with Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, Affinity Plus employees volunteer at the JA BizTown event. Left to right: Tunde S., Salena J., Kat P., Levi W. and Adam Z.