Capital Campaign Announcement
Oklahoma City, OK [October 4, 2023] – Junior Achievement of Oklahoma (JA of Oklahoma), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people to own their economic success, is thrilled to announce its capital campaign for the establishment of the JA Experiential Learning Lab in Oklahoma City. The innovative facility, set to open during the 24-25 school year, will be located on the Chesapeake Energy campus, made possible through a visionary partnership with Chesapeake Energy.
"Chesapeake Energy is honored to partner with Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, and we commend their dedication to fostering financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship among young Oklahomans,” said Usha Turner, Chesapeake Energy’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “By opening the doors of this facility, we are creating a space where students can learn, grow, and explore their potential. We believe that investing in the education and development of our youth is paramount to building a prosperous and thriving community in Oklahoma City."
The JA Experiential Learning Lab is poised to become a pivotal educational resource for urban and rural Oklahoma students, providing an immersive environment where they can gain invaluable skills and practical knowledge essential for their future success. This state-of-the-art facility will house Oklahoma City's first JA BizTown, a hands-on simulated city that engages young minds in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and real-world business scenarios. Additionally, the facility will serve as a permanent home for JA Finance Park, enabling students to develop critical financial skills through interactive, real-life simulations.
Many trusted Oklahoma organizations, like Bank of Oklahoma, are backing this capital campaign due to the monumental student impact that takes place during JA of Oklahoma’s programs. “As a financial institution, we know the importance of empowering young people in our communities to pursue their dreams, no matter how big. We also know that in order to take these steps, they must be given the opportunities to engage in activities to expand their financial education knowledge and fuel their curiosity just as Junior Achievement of Oklahoma does,” explained Greg Wheeler, Market President, Oklahoma City. “This is why BOK’s investment in the JA Experiential Learning Lab here in OKC was so important to us as it will provide a place for our employees to help prepare our youth for a better future,” he continued.
"With the opening of this new facility, Junior Achievement of Oklahoma will be able to reach more Oklahoma students than ever imagined,” said Herman Meinders, the Campaign’s Honorary Chairman. “This organization prides itself on putting the success of students first, providing them with the education necessary to be able to lead their own futures. The construction of a new building in Oklahoma City will cement Junior Achievement’s presence in the area and provide new opportunities that are not currently available to local students."
One of the core tenets of Junior Achievement is to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or financial means, have access to their life-changing programs. The new facility is estimated to cost $2.5 million, which includes the educational and programmatic elements of the building. Through private financial contributions, the organization has already raised $2 million.
"Junior Achievement of Oklahoma is proud to embark on this capital campaign to establish the JA Experiential Learning Lab in Oklahoma City," said Shannan Beeler, President of JA of Oklahoma. "We are immensely grateful to Chesapeake Energy and Herman Meinders for their unwavering support and their commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. This facility will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy."
The JA Experiential Learning Lab represents a significant milestone in JA of Oklahoma's mission to foster financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness skills among young Oklahomans. By bringing the facility to the Chesapeake Energy campus, students will have access to a dynamic learning environment and gain practical experiences that will shape their future endeavors.