HOUSTON, June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas received a $16,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used to provide financial literacy to Houston-area students by participating in the JA Finance Park Virtual program.
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Through JA Finance Park Virtual, students design personalized avatars and are assigned a randomly-generated life-scenario, including a fictional job, age, income, educational background and family. Based on that scenario, students are then tasked with meeting real-life needs such as successfully developing a budget, maintaining a household and pursuing a career.
"Financial literacy is a critical life skill for everyone, with something to learn at every age, but research shows that many students don't understand the basic principles of personal finance, and this can impact their future success," said Rick Franke, president, Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas. "The hands-on practical money-management skills provided through JA Finance Park Virtual are applicable to real life situations and help students set and reach financial goals both now and as adults. Through the generous support of The UPS Foundation this means that hundreds of more Houston-area students will have the opportunity to participate in this unique program."
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.
In 2011, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $45.3 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations such as Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas and provide support for building stronger communities.
"The UPS Foundation is honored to support Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas' efforts to empower young people to own their economic success," said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. "Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community."
CONTACT: Kevin Hattery, +1-713-682-4500 ext. 231, [email protected]
SOURCE Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas
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