Empowering kids to make informed choices

Ready for School’s partnership with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay is all about enhancing educational opportunities for students inside the classroom. Learn more about how 3DE Schools are redefining classroom experiences.

Since its founding in 1919, Junior Achievement (JA) has been dedicated to giving students the confidence and skills to pursue their dreams.

In March 2025, JA of Tampa Bay celebrated its 60th anniversary, supporting students across 13 local counties. Raymond James and JA share a partnership spanning over more-than-four-decades. That support largely stems from the firm’s long-held belief that education is the most powerful lever in creating empowered communities, and that it all begins with individual kids and classrooms.

One classroom at a time, one student at a time

JA’s mission aligns with the people-first values at Raymond James. The Ready for School program – a Raymond James initiative centered around helping children inside the classroom, outside the classroom and beyond the classroom – seeks to amplify the impact of this relationship.

Across the United States, JA is a volunteer-driven organization. Raymond James has consistently provided financial support, volunteer resources and leadership to help young people in classrooms across Tampa Bay.

Chief Operating Officer, Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group and JA board member of over 15 years Patrick O'Connor said, “JA provides age-appropriate, engaging content that educates students on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. It’s been impressive to see first-hand how JA’s individual sessions have evolved to become more immersive, scalable experiences.”

JA program highlights include:

• BizTown: a mock economic environment for 5th grade students to learn financial fundamentals
• Finance Park: a simulated macro economy teaching 8th graders financial literacy, money management and career exploration
• 3DE: an experiential high school classroom learning model drawing on real-world business applications

3DE Schools – a key component of JA of Tampa Bay’s work – aims to redefine teaching inside high school classrooms with more integrated learning models and through partnerships with local and national organizations.

3DE Executive Director Christina Roberts said, “In 2024, JA served 47,000 students in Tampa Bay, 3,400 of which participated in the 3DE program. There are currently six 3DE Schools in Tampa Bay creating more connected and hands-on educational experiences and helping prepare students for the demands of the world tomorrow.”

The impact of 3DE is substantial: 3DE students showed a 9.1% reduction in chronic absenteeism and a 5.6% increase in learning gains in ELA. In addition, the graduation rate for 3DE students was 97.2%, compared to 89.7% for non-3DE students.

Making sure young people know their power

Beyond the classroom, the 3DE Innovator Showcase is an annual event where over 100 students present a year-long entrepreneurship project – held for its first time at the Raymond James home office.

Feedback from firm leaders after the first showcase led to a partnership with the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business, ultimately enhancing the financial focus of future students' projects.

Roberts said, “Among our many success stories, I recall two 11th grade students who showcased their business idea to senior executives at the Innovator Showcase, demonstrating their entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking. Inspired by the success of their pitch, those students now aspire to attend USF and later become entrepreneurs.”

O’Connor added, “Our goal is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. We want our students to think about their futures and make smart decisions that set them up for success. It’s energizing to think about the potential volunteering and donating has to help JA sustain and expand its work and programs.”

Learn more about Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay at jatampabay.org.

Junior Achievement is one of 11 Ready for School organizations making a difference in the lives of students across Tampa Bay. Learn more at raymondjames.com/ready-for-school.

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