Affinity Plus expands Junior Achievement North partnership with JA BizTown Philanthropy Center
The credit union held a grand reveal for staff members’ kids, pledged to match JA BizTown donations with real dollars
ST PAUL, MN (August 18, 2023) — Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) today revealed a three-year sponsorship of the Philanthropy Center in Junior Achievement North’s JA BizTown center (BizTown), an experiential learning lab that hosts around 20,000 Minnesota students each year and is designed to teach children ages 7-14 about financial literacy and career exploration in a fun and engaging way. This center is a new part of Affinity Plus’s ongoing partnership with Junior Achievement North.
The Affinity Plus Philanthropy Center is the latest addition to JA BizTown, where students are citizens for the day and learn what it takes to run a successful business, create a personal budget and work as a team. The Philanthropy Center features a curriculum highlighting the importance of individuals and businesses giving back to the community, including an option for students to donate a portion of their JA BizTown budget to one of four Affinity Plus charities of choice. At the end of the year, Affinity Plus will match donations to the charities in the amount that JA BizTown students pledged to donate from their simulated budgets during their field trips throughout the year.
“Supporting causes you care about is a fulfilling and important part of financial independence that we’re excited to share with students at BizTown,” said Adam Layne, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, Affinity Plus. “Whether it be through giving personal donations, utilizing businesses to give back or working for a community-focused organization like a credit union, there are a lot of ways to prioritize philanthropy, and this new center highlights each of them in a meaningful way. We’re excited to expand our existing partnership with Junior Achievement North to make an even bigger impact on students across Minnesota”
Affinity Plus revealed its Philanthropy Center to staff members and their kids today at a Grand Reveal event that included remarks from Affinity Plus and Junior Achievement North representatives as well as an appearance by Chip (the Affinity Plus mascot). After the reveal, staff members’ kids got a firsthand, immersive experience running JA BizTown.
“As students navigate JA BizTown to learn about different careers and what it takes to run a successful business, the Affinity Plus Philanthropy Center demonstrates the importance of giving back and its impact on creating stronger communities,” said Sara Dziuk, President & CEO of Junior Achievement North. “Affinity Plus has been an incredible partner that understands the value of financial education and community engagement, so we’re thrilled to expand that partnership into JA BizTown.”
The Philanthropy Center expands on Affinity Plus’s partnership with Junior Achievement North, which includes annual donations to bring Junior Achievement’s financial education, entrepreneurship and career readiness curriculum to classrooms across the state. Affinity Plus employees have also volunteered with JA North, bringing their passion for financial education to Minnesota students.
To learn more about Affinity Plus’s support of Junior Achievement North, please visit www.affinityplus.org/personal/impact/our-community.
About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 30 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 250,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4 billion in assets. Additional information is available at
www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.
About Junior Achievement North
Junior Achievement North prepares young people with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Programming addresses the skills, wealth, and opportunity gaps our communities face. Through experiential learning focused on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, students build the skills required to succeed in today’s dynamic world. These transformative educational experiences empower students to become engaged community and business leaders. Serving around 100,000 students annually, JA North’s experiential learning model helps students connect classroom curriculum and life after graduation. Students discover the possibilities of what they can be, equipping them with foundational tools and skills that will set students up for a successful future. Each year, thousands of corporate and community volunteers work alongside students, share their experiences, and explore engaging content.
