Junior Achievement of Arizona Receives $500,000 Grant to Expand Financial Literacy Programs

As Arizona students head back to school, Junior Achievement of Arizona is receiving a major boost to help prepare young people for life beyond the classroom. The nonprofit has been awarded a $500,000, two-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to expand financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness programming for K-12 students across Maricopa County, with an emphasis on serving low-income communities.

The funding comes at a time when many families continue to face rising financial pressures, highlighting the importance of equipping students with practical life skills that are often not part of a traditional curriculum.

“We are seeing an increase in pressure as inflation surpasses wage growth,” said Katherine Cecala, president of Junior Achievement of Arizona. “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.”

Junior Achievement of Arizona partners with 400 schools, nearly 3,200 educators and more than 9,000 volunteers statewide to deliver hands-on learning experiences focused on personal finance, workforce readiness and career exploration. Through its volunteer-led model, the organization helps students connect classroom lessons with real-world applications that can shape their futures.

The new grant is expected to support programming for more than 10,000 low-income students over the next two years, expanding access to educational opportunities that can help create pathways to economic mobility.

“Every child, regardless of zip code or family income, deserves the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “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.”

Bob Parsons said financial education gives students the confidence to take control of their futures.

“Financial literacy is one of the most valuable tools you can give a young person,” he said. “When students understand how money works, they stop waiting for opportunity and start creating it.”

Junior Achievement’s impact continues to be reflected in its alumni, with the vast majority reporting that the program helped prepare them for future success, strengthened their confidence and opened doors to educational and career opportunities. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit Junior Achievement of Arizona.