Junior Achievement Alabama has broken ground on the $17 million McWane Economic Education Center in Birmingham.
The 30,000-square-foot center, located at 6th Avenue North and 22nd Street, is projected to open in Spring 2026. With a $4 million lead gift from Will and Kaitlin McWane and the McWane Family, the project will house two experiential learning facilities, JA BizTown presented by EBSCO and JA Finance Park presented by Regions. The building will also house the Junior Achievement of Alabama’s administrative offices.
The hands-on, immersive experiences will aim to equip 6th and 8th grade students with practical economic knowledge.
“The Junior Achievement mission has resonated with the McWane Family for decades. The JA program’s focus on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship are critical to young people, as each of these topics are relevant to every American in their daily lives,” said Will McWane. “The immersive experience provided by the McWane Economic Education Center will create a lasting impression that will stay with students for their entire lives and will provide them with the tools to maximize their own economic potential.”
The $20 million capital and operational campaign to build the center was announced in June 2024. Junior Achievement hopes to reach 20,000 students each year in the new center.
JA BizTown will simulate a mini city where students can take on the roles of business owner, employees and consumers, gaining experience operating a business and managing finances. In the JA Finance Park, students will learn about budgeting challenges, such as purchasing a car, securing housing and managing investments.
“I am unaware of any educational program that has the potential to impact the lives of our students more than that to be provided through this facility,” said David Walker, Junior Achievement board chair and EBSCO CEO. “Financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness programs will unlock the potential of tomorrow’s leaders.”
In addition to the lead gift from the McWane Family and presenting gifts from EBSCO and Regions, the state of Alabama and other businesses and foundations, such as Altec, Brasfield & Gorrie and the Alabama Community College System, have made significant investments to support the building effort. Nearly $19 million of the $20 million goal has been raised.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood is the designer on the project, with Lemoine as the program manager and Pylon Building Group serving as general contractor.
