From Donuts to Dollars: Krispy Kreme's Sweet Surprise to Clear Creek Sixth-Graders

Sixth-graders from Gilmer County embarked on an exciting educational journey to the Junior Achievement (JA) Discovery Center of Greater Dalton, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of JA BizTown. This innovative program, designed specifically for sixth graders by Junior Achievement, offers a unique blend of hands-on learning and real-world experiences, allowing students to step into the shoes of professionals, collaborate as a team, explore local governance, and gain insights into the mechanics of an economy, all while having fun!

But the journey doesn't begin with the school bus's arrival—it starts in the classroom, guided by passionate educators like Amy Milton E.D.S, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Clear Creek Middle School. Amy diligently prepared her students for their upcoming adventure by delving into the JA curriculum, covering essential topics from business loans to taxes, supply and demand dynamics, resume building, how to interview for a job, and beyond.

Infusing her lessons with real-world examples, Amy sparked her students' curiosity and fostered connections to the world around them. From using Krispy Kreme as an example to grasp the concept of sales tax to igniting discussions that extended far beyond the classroom walls, Amy's dedication to making learning engaging and relevant paid off. Students even started using Krispy Kreme as an example when asking questions during the lesson.

As the date approached for Clear Creek Middle School's visit to the JA Discovery Center of Greater Dalton, Amy couldn't resist sharing the heartwarming story of Krispy Kreme's role in their journey with the Greater Dalton JA staff. The response was nothing short of spectacular. Rosa Cuna, Director of JA Discovery Center Experience, reached out to their local Krispy Kreme, and the result was a delightful surprise—a generous donation of enough donut boxes to treat every student.

On Monday, April 22, 2024, the excitement among the sixth-grade students from Clear Creek Middle School was palpable. The students were pleasantly surprised by the unexpected treat from Krispy Kreme. These students weren't just enjoying a sweet indulgence; they were also digesting vital lessons in financial literacy and civic responsibility. Through the immersive experience provided by Junior Achievement of Georgia and the unwavering dedication of educators like Amy Milton, these students were equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the modern economy, all while having a blast.

Cox Enterprises Partners with Junior Achievement of Georgia to Impact Middle School Students in Metro Atlanta

Cox Enterprises joins the JA Chick-fil-A Discovery Center in Atlanta to help students discover what their futures can hold

ATLANTA– Today, Cox Enterprises proudly cut the ribbon on their storefront in JA BizTown at the JA Chick-fil-A Discovery Center. As a business in JA BizTown, the Cox storefront gives 6th grade students a glimpse into the realities of adulthood while offering them an opportunity to navigate those complexities in an authentic, hands-on environment. Cox joins more than 40 other local and national companies at the JA Chick-fil-A Discovery Center, which serves more than 30,000 middle school students annually.

 “As a board member of JA for almost 10 years, days like today are really special to me,” said Dallas Clement, president and chief financial officer for Cox Enterprises. “Creating community resources like JA BizTown is a big reason why we partner with Junior Achievement, and it is an important part of Cox’s goal to empower 34 million people to live more prosperous lives by 2034.”

Cox has been a Junior Achievement of Georgia sponsor since 1997, and employees regularly volunteer at the JA Discovery Center. JA Discovery Centers are authentic environments where middle school students connect knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world concepts. Students work alongside their peers and adult volunteers in JA BizTown® and JA Finance Park® as they develop a greater understanding of financial concepts, build 21st century skills, and foster their entrepreneurial spirit.

JA BizTown allows 6th grade students to interact within a simulated economy and take on the challenge of starting and running a business. After in-class curriculum around the circular flow of the economy and what it means to be a citizen, students have a job within one of the many storefronts in JA BizTown, and they learn what it’s like to work that job. Students earn (and spend!) a paycheck, pay taxes, vote for their elected officials for the day, and ultimately work with their peers towards a common goal of paying back their start-up loan. Volunteers guide students through the simulation and provide their own life experiences to help students discover the endless opportunities their futures can hold.

JA Finance Park allows 7th and/or 8th grade students the opportunity to manage a household budget and learn about personal finance. After in-class lessons on subjects like budgeting and credit scores, students are assigned a random ‘life situation’ with an education level, salary, and family scenario. They visit storefronts representing the major line items in a budget – housing, utilities, food, etc. – and work towards providing for themselves and their families within their assigned means. Throughout the day they apply for car and home loans and discover the impact a credit score has on financial well-being. Volunteers guide students through the simulation and provide their own life experience to bring authenticity to the experience.

“We are grateful and excited to officially welcome Cox Enterprises into JA BizTown,” said John Hancock, President and CEO, JA of Georgia. “Cox’s presence in the simulation space will give our students an inside look at a large multinational communications company that is headquartered right here in their own community. We are looking forward to students being able to experience their futures through the lens of the Cox brand.”

With locations in Atlanta, Cumming, Dalton, Lawrenceville, Savannah and soon to be Augusta, more than 40 percent of all middle school students in Georgia participate in this programming.