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