---

Chisago Lakes Middle School traveled to Maplewood to take part in a one-day educational simulation at Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest called Finance Park.

Two groups of eighth graders attended Finance Park Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. Students learned the importance of business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics, character, financial literacy and career development. Now more than ever, educational opportunities of this nature are critical to the success of our young people.

JA Finance Park, a one-day event, gives participants the opportunity to simulate running a city for a day: managing their own business, running for elected office, and depositing an earned pay-check into their personal checking account.

Student face these new challenges in an 8,000 square foot kid-size city located within Junior Achievement headquarters. The learning lab gives students the opportunity to leave their classrooms for a simulated, real-world experience that includes colorful store fronts and interaction with other young people their own age. Only 25 markets in the world provide this incredible hands-on learning opportunity.

To prepare for their JA Finance Park experience, students spend four weeks in their classroom learning the economic concepts and business skills they will need both for JA Finance Park and in life. Before arriving, students also hold elections for their city offices, process job applications, learn the fundamentals of accounting and prepare for their day of city operations.

JA Finance Park was first introduced to the Minneapolis/St. Paul market in October of 2007. During its first year, approximately 5,500 students were served. This year, 13,500 students will enter its doors.

About Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest

Junior Achievement seeks to inspire the next generation to value free enterprise, business and economics in order to improve the quality of their lives. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, founded in 1949, educates young people in Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin about enterprise, business and economics.

---