Moline to create a City Hall in new JA BizTown

Jonathan Turner
·2 min read
Moline to create a City Hall in new JA BizTown

The city of Moline will create a new City Hall storefront at the Junior Achievement of the Heartland’s new JA BizTown in Moline.

The council-approved agreement, finalized on May 21, paves the way for the creation of a City Hall within JA BizTown located inside the Junior Achievement Inspiration Center at 6600 44th Ave., Moline, home of the Vibrant Credit Union headquarters. As part of this three-year sponsorship agreement, the city of Moline will contribute $10,000 annually to Junior Achievement.

Site of the new JA Inspiration Center, in the southwest corner of the Vibrant Corporate Center, 6600 44th Ave., Moline.
Site of the new JA Inspiration Center, in the southwest corner of the Vibrant Corporate Center, 6600 44th Ave., Moline.

In return, the city will collaborate in the development and implementation of a City Hall experience, providing a unique educational opportunity for young students to engage in civic duties and government functions, according to a Friday city release.

“We are thrilled to welcome the city of Moline to JA BizTown,” Dougal Nelson, president and CEO of Junior Achievement, said in the release. “This partnership will not only enhance the realism and educational value of the JA BizTown experience but also strengthen our community by empowering young minds with the skills and knowledge they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

The new JA BizTown is being brought to life in partnership with Russell Construction and Edwards Creative, which are leading the design and buildout of the innovative space. Once completed, the JA BizTown City Hall will immerse students in a hands-on, interactive environment where they will take on roles such as Mayor, Public Works Director, and Parks & Recreation Director.

Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 24 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 24 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

These student-elected and hired positions will offer an invaluable experiential learning platform, simulating real-life government operations and fostering an understanding of civic responsibility, the city said, noting the JA Inspiration Center will welcome the first students in October 2024.

Junior Achievement’s BizTown is a “meticulously designed, kid-sized city that provides a vibrant and engaging educational experience,” the release said. It aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy through practical, hands-on activities that introduce them to various aspects of running a business, managing personal finances, and contributing to their community.

“Learning about civic engagement and personal finance are so important for students, and we’re excited that Moline can support that education in partnership with Junior Achievement of the Heartland,” said Moline Ald. At-Large James Patrick Schmidt. “I’ve seen firsthand how JA can build confidence and teach skills that help to develop our students and our community.”

The regional JA has raised 80% of its $3.25-million goal for the new Inspiration Center, spokeswoman Katie Sothmann said Friday.

For more information on JA, click HERE.

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