SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORED CONTENT
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION IN SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP
Nestled in the heart of South Fayette Township is an unexpected gem shaping the future of our region’ s youth: Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania’ s Experiential Learning Center, home to JA BizTown ®.
Since its opening in January 2020, this innovative space has welcomed more than 13,000 students from across western PA and parts of northern West Virginia into a simulated economy where they don’ t just learn about the real world, they live it.
South Fayette School District has been a participant in JA BizTown ® since 2021, when students first engaged remotely due to the pandemic. Since then, the district’ s involvement has grown, with students returning year after year to take part in a transformative experience.
Plans are already underway for another visit in early 2026, continuing a tradition of hands-on learning that’ s become a hallmark of South Fayette’ s commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
JA BizTown ® allows students to gain a working knowledge of what it feels like to interview for a job, work at a company, and run a business. Before arriving, they complete classroom lessons where they learn how communities and businesses operate, prepare for their roles, and explore career paths. At the learning center, they step into real-life roles within sponsored storefronts, gaining firsthand experience as both workers and consumers— and even practice civic responsibility by voting.
As Toni Willetts Schlieper, JA’ s education director and proud South Fayette graduate, puts it:“ The impact of this immersive experience is truly remarkable. For many, it’ s the first time they’ ve seen what working professionals do, opening their eyes to new possibilities and giving them a deeper appreciation for the adults in their lives. They leave with a sense of pride, purpose, and a belief in their own potential.”
JA is committed to expanding experiential learning initiatives, including the launch of JA Finance Park ®, which was piloted last spring within the Experiential Learning Center.
JA Finance Park ® is a hands-on program where middle and high school students step into the role of adults managing a monthly budget. They make financial decisions in paying bills, choosing a career, managing expenses, and saving for the future, developing essential financial literacy and decision-making skills in a safe, interactive environment.
With these programs rooted right here in South Fayette Township, JA is not only investing in the future of local students, it’ s positioning the community as a regional hub for experiential education.
To learn more about JA BizTown ® and other educational initiatives, visit jawesternpa. org.
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