Jacksonville, Florida, January 21, 2026
Junior Achievement of North Florida has disclosed plans to create a new Experiential Learning Center at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Downtown Campus. This center is projected to reach over 30,000 students yearly, providing hands-on career-connected learning experiences featuring interactive simulations and exhibits that merge education with workforce readiness. With a 50-year land lease and a $15 million fundraising goal, this center signifies a substantial commitment to local education and economic development.
Jacksonville, Florida – Junior Achievement of North Florida has announced plans to establish a new Experiential Learning Center at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s (FSCJ) Downtown Campus. This center aims to serve over 30,000 students annually across Northeast Florida, providing interactive career-connected learning experiences.
The partnership includes a 50-year land lease agreement, reflecting a long-term investment in Jacksonville’s students, workforce, and regional economy. The center will feature student-sized “towns” with interactive exhibits and simulations, allowing students to run businesses, earn paychecks, manage budgets, and explore various career pathways. These immersive “living classrooms” are designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, offering real-world applications of classroom learning.
Design and engineering planning for the center are underway, with construction targeted to begin later this year. A soft opening is projected for the next fall. The project is part of a $15 million capital campaign, with over $3 million raised to date. The center is expected to be a transformative asset for Northeast Florida, advancing educational equity, economic mobility, and future-ready skills for generations to come.
Junior Achievement of North Florida is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. The Experiential Learning Center is part of their broader mission to provide students with the tools and experiences necessary for success in the modern workforce.
Key Benefits of the Junior Achievement Experiential Learning Center
The establishment of the Junior Achievement Experiential Learning Center is a significant step towards fostering innovation in education and career readiness in Jacksonville. By directly engaging students in practical, hands-on experiences, the center aims to equip young individuals with essential skills that align with today’s job market. A focus on interactive learning fosters creativity and critical thinking, necessary qualities for future entrepreneurs and leaders in our community.
Enhancing Economic Growth in Jacksonville
This initiative exemplifies how local investments in education can stimulate the economy. By preparing a future workforce that is knowledgeable and adept, Jacksonville can attract businesses looking for talented individuals who can contribute to their growth. The collaboration between Junior Achievement and FSCJ underlines the importance of partnerships in driving economic expansion in Duval County, emphasizing the power of community and corporate engagement.
Building a Workforce Ready for the Future
As Jacksonville continues to evolve economically, the timing of this new center could not be more opportune. The interactive nature of the Experiential Learning Center will allow students to experiment with real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing their understanding of various career pathways. This not only prepares students for immediate employment opportunities but also cultivates a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability.
Funding and Long-term Vision
The financial backing associated with the center is not only a testament to the commitment of Junior Achievement but also reflects the support of the local community aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure. The ongoing $15 million capital campaign, coupled with the significant land lease agreement, marks a transformational investment in the future of education in Jacksonville.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
The existence of such a facility supports the broader economic ecosystem in Jacksonville. By preparing students to think like entrepreneurs, the center encourages independence and creativity, hallmarks of successful business ownership. As a result, we can expect to see a ripple effect throughout the community where educated individuals contribute to and engage with local businesses, potentially leading to increased innovation and lower unemployment rates.
Conclusion
The Junior Achievement Experiential Learning Center represents a promising advancement in Jacksonville’s educational landscape. By bridging the gap between academic learning and workforce readiness, the center is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future workforce of Northeast Florida. Community members are encouraged to support local initiatives and to stay engaged in fostering an environment conducive to business growth and innovation, ultimately leading to a thriving economic future for Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Junior Achievement Experiential Learning Center?
The Junior Achievement Experiential Learning Center is a state-of-the-art facility planned for Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Downtown Campus. It aims to provide interactive, career-connected learning experiences for students, helping them bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
How many students will the center serve annually?
The center is projected to serve over 30,000 students annually across Northeast Florida.
What types of learning experiences will the center offer?
The center will feature student-sized “towns” with interactive exhibits and simulations, allowing students to run businesses, earn paychecks, manage budgets, and explore various career pathways. These immersive “living classrooms” are designed to provide real-world applications of classroom learning.
When is the center expected to open?
Design and engineering planning for the center are underway, with construction targeted to begin later this year. A soft opening is projected for the next fall.
How is the project funded?
The project is part of a $15 million capital campaign, with over $3 million raised to date. The partnership includes a 50-year land lease agreement, reflecting a long-term investment in Jacksonville’s students, workforce, and regional economy.
Key Features of the Junior Achievement Experiential Learning Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Downtown Campus |
| Annual Student Reach | Over 30,000 students across Northeast Florida |
| Learning Approach | Interactive, career-connected learning experiences |
| Facility Design | Student-sized “towns” with interactive exhibits and simulations |
| Project Funding | Part of a $15 million capital campaign, with over $3 million raised to date |
| Opening Timeline | Construction targeted to begin later this year; soft opening projected for next fall |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
REI Plans to Close Flagship Stores in New Jersey and Beyond
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
