Junior Achievement of North Florida

10/22/2026

⚓ Another exciting partner is coming aboard JA BizTown®!

We’re proud to welcome Transportation Institute as a signature storefront partner, bringing Jacksonville’s maritime industry into the JA BizTown® experience.

Through partnerships like this, students can begin connecting what they learn today with the careers and opportunities available in our community tomorrow.

Thank you, Transportation Institute and Crowley Corporation , for investing in the next generation and helping us build what’s next for Northeast Florida’s young people.

🚢 Read the full announcement: https://northflorida.ja.org/news/press-releases/transportation-institute-commits-to-signature-maritime-industry-storefront-at-ja-biztown-in-jacksonville

Transportation Institute Commits to Signature Maritime Industry Storefront at JA BizTown® in JacksonvillePartnership will introduce students to a vital regional industry and help launch a streamlined pathway from career awareness to opportunity

10/19/2026

October is National Principals Month! Thank you to all the principals throughout Northeast Florida, leading and making a difference in schools and our community.

Join us in celebrating the incredible principals who lead, encourage, and inspire students every day. Tag a principal you appreciate in the comments and help us say thank you! 💙

10/12/2026

The future needs more than knowledge. It needs people who can think, adapt, connect, and create.

Junior Achievement helps students build the human capabilities that help them navigate what’s next with confidence and purpose. 💡

Because the most important skills for the future are deeply human.

10/06/2026

Leadership isn’t just something students learn about. It’s something they get to practice.

Future Ready Leaders is underway this fall, with high school students strengthening their leadership, teamwork and communication skills and then putting those skills into action by leading JA learning experiences with younger students.

Along the way, they’re building their own confidence while serving as role models and making an impact beyond their own classrooms.

10/02/2026

The market is moving and so are our students! 📈

This fall, students across Northeast Florida are participating in JA Take Stock in Your Future, building their understanding of investing, the stock market, risk, and financial decision-making.

With the support of educators and volunteers, students are putting those lessons into practice as they prepare for the JA Stock Market Challenge, where teams will experience the excitement of managing a simulated investment portfolio in a fast-paced, real-world environment.

It’s financial literacy in action - helping students build the confidence and skills to make informed financial decisions today and in the future!

09/30/2026

Our 41st annual Golf Classic was a success thanks to our sponsors! The weather was amazing and the competition was strong. ⛳️🌤️

Your support reaches far beyond the golf course. It helps Junior Achievement of North Florida bring hands-on learning to local students, building their understanding of money, careers, entrepreneurship, and the possibilities ahead of them. Thanks to our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the day possible! 🌟

Relive the day with our Facebook album 👉 https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=JAofNorthFlorida&set=a.1549471790540222

09/28/2026

Junior Achievement of North Florida is proud to welcome Von Hawthorne to our Board of Directors!

As Senior Vice President of Treasury and Commercial Credit at VyStar Credit Union, Von brings extensive leadership experience in commercial banking, treasury management, business strategy, and organizational growth. Throughout his career, he has focused on building high-performing teams, developing talent, and creating opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive.

Von is passionate about youth development, financial literacy, and economic empowerment. His dedication to preparing students for careers, entrepreneurship, and financial independence aligns closely with Junior Achievement's mission.

"As a member of the Junior Achievement of North Florida Board of Directors, I look forward to using my experience in business and financial services to support JA's mission and make a lasting impact on the next generation," said Von.

We are excited to welcome Von's expertise, leadership, and passion for empowering young people as we continue to inspire and prepare students across North Florida for success in work and life. Please join us in welcoming him to the JA family!

09/24/2026

09/23/2026

JA North Florida is pleased to welcome Renuka Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at EverBank, to our Board of Directors.

A highly accomplished financial services executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience, Renuka brings deep expertise in enterprise strategy, customer experience, organizational effectiveness, workforce development, and transformational leadership. In her role at EverBank, she leads key enterprise functions that support the bank's strategic growth, community impact, and organizational performance.

Throughout her career, Renuka has built and led high-performing teams, driven large-scale business transformations, and championed initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities. Her extensive governance experience includes service on nonprofit and educational boards, as well as close partnership with executive leadership teams, regulators, and boards of directors.

Renuka's passion for Junior Achievement's mission stems from her belief in creating pathways to economic opportunity and preparing young people with the financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today's economy. She is eager to help empower the next generation of leaders and strengthen the communities we serve.

"We are thrilled to welcome Renuka to the JANFL Board of Directors," said Shannon Italia, JA North Florida President. "Her executive leadership experience, commitment to community impact, and passion for developing future leaders will be tremendous assets as we continue expanding our reach and impact across North Florida."

Please join us in welcoming Renuka to the JA family! We look forward to the expertise, perspective, and leadership she will bring as we work together to inspire and prepare young people for success.