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Tomorrow’s philanthropists shaped today through practical learning

August 5, 2019
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Each year, 70,000 middle school students are exposed to the real-world importance of giving at Junior Achievement’s Discovery Centers in downtown Atlanta and Gwinnett County, thanks to a unique partnership between the Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Atlanta. The Discovery Centers draw students into an immersive simulated economy, complete with an assigned career and the chance to make routine budget decisions at a variety of storefronts sponsored by local corporations. One of those stores is the result of this partnership – the Philanthropy Store features a practical curriculum based on time, talent and treasure. Students learn about the importance of giving and budget for nonprofits that they care about, alongside their “pretend” car insurance and rent payments.

Thanks to the simulation, every middle school student from five metro counties builds skills to confidently navigate today’s economic environment as an adult. They learn a host of practical, transferable skills, including the importance and concrete mechanics of giving back to their community.


“Through our partnership, every junior high student in five counties learns about the power of philanthropy. These are tomorrow’s business leaders, innovators and visionaries and because of the Philanthropy Store, they understand the true value of giving.” – Alicia Philipp, President


This story was originally published in The Giving Life.