Goodwill Southeast Georgia Opens Educational ‘Storefront’ at JA Colonial Group Discovery Center of Savannah

Savannah, GA— Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s new, educational ‘storefront’ is now open at the Junior Achievement Colonial Group Discovery Center of Savannah. The new ‘storefront’ replicates the look and feel of Goodwill’s 20 regional retail and donation locations, offering students a hands-on experience in personal finance, business operations and career exploration through Junior Achievement of Georgia’s programs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and networking reception were held on Thursday, October 16 to celebrate the launch.

“Education is the cornerstone of our mission, and our ultimate goal is to help individuals find their pathway to a brighter future,” said Jason Marshall, President and CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia. “We’re excited to reach the next generation of learners through this interactive learning opportunity, and show them how business, community, and purpose can come together to create economic mobility.”

The JA Colonial Group Discovery Center is located on Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. It serves students from 8 school districts and 10 private schools across Coastal Georgia, providing more than 13,000 middle schoolers with immersive learning experiences through JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. These programs introduce students to real-world concepts such as budgeting, career planning, and civic responsibility.

“We are proud to welcome Goodwill to Savannah’s JA Discovery Center family. Their commitment to career development and community service perfectly aligns with Junior Achievement’s mission to inspire and prepare young people for success,” said Camille Russo, Vice President of Brand Strategies at Junior Achievement of Georgia. “This partnership will empower thousands of students each year to explore career possibilities and understand the power of purpose-driven work.”

The Goodwill storefront features realistic scenes from its retail stores, donation centers, and Opportunity Centers. Within Junior Achievement’s interactive programs, students take on roles such as employee, taxpayer, and consumer, gaining insight into the responsibilities of professionals and community members and the financial decisions they’ll face in adulthood. Career pathways highlighted in the Goodwill Southeast Georgia storefront include Store Manager, Site Coach, Success Ambassador, CDL Truck Driver, and Career Services Specialist.

Students also learn how every item donated or purchased at Goodwill Southeast Georgia supports its six Opportunity Centers, offering personalized support to help individuals achieve their career and educational goals. Goodwill Southeast Georgia joins 28 other organizations represented at Savannah’s JA Discovery Center, all united in their mission to inspire and educate students.

ABOUT GOODWILL SOUTHEAST GEORGIA  

Goodwill of the Coastal Empire Inc., DBA Goodwill Southeast Georgia, is a highly diversified 501© (3) social enterprise committed to helping individuals achieve their employment goals --- whatever and wherever that may be. In 2024, its Opportunity Centers provided services to more than 4,800 individuals and placed more than 614 into sustainable employment.  

 Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, Inc. is an autonomous affiliate of Goodwill Industries International governed by a local, volunteer board of directors. It serves 33 counties, 29 in Georgia and 4 in South Carolina.       

Goodwill Southeast Georgia operates 18 retail stores, two outlets and an e-commerce operation selling donated clothing and household items, an advanced manufacturing facility, and a contract services business. The income from these enterprises funds the services that drive Goodwill’s mission. For more information, visit www.goodwillsega.org. 

About Junior Achievement of Georgia

Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is a business-integrated education partner with expertise in experiential learning that successfully develops key mindsets and skills for students to lead meaningful and successful lives. JA’s high-impact programs drive long-term outcomes in areas of financial literacy, career readiness, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, and are delivered by corporate and community volunteers. JA of Georgia offers multiple programs, with a focus on middle and high school students, including JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE by Junior Achievement. JA of Georgia has offices in Atlanta, Cumming, Evans, Dalton, Lawrenceville, and Savannah. For more information, visit georgia.ja.org

Junior Achievement of Georgia’s Nineteen Under Nineteen Students to Watch 2025 Honorees Announced

Junior Achievement of Georgia (JA of Georgia) is proud to announce the 19 outstanding students from across the state who have been selected for the Nineteen Under Nineteen, a recognition program celebrating students across Georgia who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Representing schools and communities across Georgia, these honorees stand out for their achievements in entrepreneurship, and leadership. Learn more about the 19 incredible students HERE.

“These 11 students represent the heart of Atlanta’s talent and the promise of Georgia’s future,” said John Hancock, President & CEO of JA of Georgia. “Each one has shown a unique ability to lead, innovate, and inspire. These qualities will serve them well as they shape the world around them.”

JA of Georgia’s Nineteen Under Nineteen Students to Watch, now in its second year, spotlights students from middle school through recent graduates who have made a mark through JA programs like JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, 3DE by Junior Achievement, and JA Summer Camp. Each honoree receives a scholarship to support educational or entrepreneurial endeavors.

More About Nineteen Under Nineteen

Nineteen Under Nineteen celebrates students across Georgia who are already demonstrating the skills, creativity, and resilience that will drive the future workforce. Students were selected through nominations from educators, peers, and community members. Nominations for the next class of Nineteen Under Nineteen will open to the public, statewide, in the Spring of 2026.

JA of Georgia to Induct Arnold and Tatum into the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame

ATLANTA, GA - Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is proud to announce the 2026 JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame Laureates, Claire Lewis “Yum” Arnold, Founder and CEO of Leapfrog, and Beverly Tatum, President Emerita of Spelman College.

The 36th annual JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame will take place on February 21, 2026, at Flourish in Buckhead. In addition to the induction ceremony of Atlanta business titans, the evening will include a cocktail hour, a dessert reception, and a tribute to the ground-breaking programs JA of Georgia is bringing to the Greater Atlanta area.

Claire Lewis Arnold is the co-founder and CEO of Leapfrog, a technology services company she launched in 1998 after a distinguished career in business development and strategic growth. Before Leapfrog, she built one of Georgia’s largest privately held companies through a leveraged buyout and spent 15 years leading it as CEO, following nearly a decade in leadership roles with Coca-Cola USA. Beyond her corporate success, Claire has served on the boards of Spelman College, The Woodruff Arts Center, The Carter Center, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and numerous nonprofit and civic organizations. Her leadership and service have been recognized with honors such as the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO in Technology, the YWCA Academy of Women induction, and multiple lifetime achievement awards. A graduate of Mary Baldwin College, she lives in Atlanta with her husband of 52 years and enjoys time in the North Carolina mountains with their three children and three granddaughters.

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is an award-winning psychologist and nationally recognized expert on race relations and higher education leadership. She led Spelman from 2002 to 2015, a tenure marked by innovation and growth that earned her the 2013 Carnegie Academic Leadership Award. The author of several influential books, including the best-seller “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” and her recent “Peril and Promise,” she continues to shape conversations on race and education. Dr. Tatum currently chairs the Tull Charitable Foundation and serves on the boards of Sesame Workshop and Educational Testing Service, with past service including Morehouse College and Georgia Power. Her contributions have been recognized with election to the American Philosophical Society and the American Psychological Association’s Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to Psychology.

“JA of Georgia is honored to welcome two extraordinary business leaders into our Laureate Society,” said John Hancock, President & CEO of JA of Georgia. “Yum Arnold and Beverly Tatum exemplify the leadership, vision, and integrity that inspire our students and alumni to dream bigger and achieve more.”

Arnold and Tatum will join the ranks of Atlanta’s most distinguished business leaders - past and present.

To learn more about the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame, or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the event, please email Danielle Wilkes at dwilkes@georgia.ja.org.