Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
As a new school year begins, thousands of Arizona students will sharpen their reading, writing and math skills, but many still lack access to formal financial education. A new $500,000, two-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will support Junior Achievement of Arizona’s efforts to expand financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness programs for K-12 students throughout Maricopa County.
The funding will help Junior Achievement of Arizona increase access to educational programs focused on personal finance, entrepreneurship and workforce preparation, with an emphasis on serving underserved communities, according to a press release.
“We are seeing an increase in financial pressure on families as inflation surpasses wage growth,” Junior Achievement of Arizona President Katherine Cecala said. “Programs like ours are more important than ever as Arizona’s next generation prepares for the opportunities and challenges ahead. We have a responsibility to help young people build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to achieve economic mobility, make informed decisions and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.”
Junior Achievement of Arizona provides hands-on learning experiences focused on financial literacy, career exploration and workforce readiness. The nonprofit serves students from kindergarten through high school through partnerships with 400 schools, nearly 3,200 educators and more than 9,000 volunteers across Arizona.
“Every child, regardless of zip code or family income, deserves the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future,” The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Co-Founder Renee Parsons said. “Junior Achievement gives students practical skills they can use for a lifetime, from managing money and exploring careers to developing the confidence to pursue their goals. As a Junior Achievement alum, I’m proud to support programs that open doors for Arizona students and help ensure every young person can succeed.”
Nearly one in four households struggles to make ends meet while living paycheck to paycheck, highlighting the need for financial education and career readiness programs for young people. The challenge can be particularly significant for students from low-income and ethnically diverse communities, who may have fewer opportunities to develop these skills.
Junior Achievement programs connect students with educational resources, experiences and professional networks designed to support long-term success. The grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will help fund programming for more than 10,000 low-income students during the next two years.
“Financial literacy is one of the most valuable tools you can give a young person,” The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Co-Founder Bob Parsons said. “When students understand how money works, they stop waiting for opportunity and start creating it.”
