JAGirl$
for a knowledge-based economy.
JAGIRL$ is an initiative developed here in Jacksonville, FL.
JAGIRL$ was awarded the international 2008 MetLife Entrepreneurship Award.
“Nine out of 10 women in the United States will be responsible for their family’s finances at some time due to an increasing divorce rate and women’s longer lifespan.” Fortune magazine
A Call to Action
During 2002, 1,573 teenage girls became mothers in Jacksonville. About 14% were married. For 21% it was not their first child. Consider these statistics:
- Thirty percent (62,120) of Jacksonville’s children live in a single-parent home
- Among one-parent homes, 83% (51,618) are headed by a single mother.
- Forty percent of female, single-family homes with children live below the poverty level.
Junior Achievement recognized the need for intervention. With the help of generous funding from BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, and the National Council on Economic Education, JA created:
Vision
To inspire girls and young women to open their minds to new opportunities, understand the power of their choices, and reach high to achieve their full economic potential.
To prepare girls and young women for economic success by providing hands-on experiences and educational opportunities that honor, value and celebrate the female perspective, experiences and unique development.
Goal
To increase knowledge and build skills in economic literacy, career preparation and entrepreneurship.
