On a Wednesday morning, a fifth-grade boy sits behind a desk in the United Way office and prepares for the day’s activities. As Executive Director of United Way at JA Biztown, he will visit each of the other 19 businesses, including TECO Energy, Bank of America and Publix Super Markets to discuss United Way’s importance in the community, and collect donations from fellow Biztown “citizens.”

“United Way's vision to build a strong, caring community requires people of all ages to understand the needs of others and to share the responsibility for finding solutions to their problems,” said Diana Baker, President/CEO of United Way of Tampa Bay.  

“The United Way partnership with JA Biztown introduces kids to caring and sharing in ways that are both educational and fun.”

Last week, JA Biztown began its third year serving area students. Through a generous donor, United Way of Tampa Bay has been a part of the experience since the beginning.

JA BizTown introduces students to economics and business through classroom instruction complemented by a daylong hands-on experience where students apply learned concepts in a life-like community. During this one day experience, students run various sponsored businesses, receive paychecks, open bank accounts, donate to United Way and have the opportunity to become consumers by making purchases in student run businesses. Over 13,000 fifth grade students a year explore the world of business through JA Biztown.