MacKenzie Scott Donation to Junior Achievement of Oklahoma

Junior Achievement of Oklahoma

Receives Transformative Gift from

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Funds To Be Used For Increasing Service Capacity and Capital Investments

Junior Achievement of Oklahoma announced today that they have received a gift of $900,000 from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. It is part of a total of $38.8 million donated to Junior Achievement USA and JA operations in 26 communities across the country. This is the largest gift from a single donor in the organization’s 103-year history.

“We greatly appreciate the incredible generosity of MacKenzie Scott for this amazing gift to our organization,” said Shannan Beeler, President of JA of Oklahoma. “We see this investment as a recognition of all the great work taking place in our community because of the passion and commitment of the business leaders, educators, volunteers, and other partners who support Junior Achievement locally. This donation will allow us to make even better use of our community investments in JA to positively impact the lives of the young people we serve.”

Beeler says the need for financial literacy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship education has never been greater. She said these dollars will be used for growth in current service areas and provide new opportunities for students across Oklahoma. Beeler believes JA BizTown, JA Inspire and JA Finance Park are proven hands-on learning opportunities in which every student in Oklahoma could benefit. JA of Oklahoma looks forward to using this gift to expose these hands-on learning opportunities to every student in Oklahoma.

About Junior Achievement of Oklahoma

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. JA of Oklahoma reaches more than 50,000 students per year across the state. Junior Achievement of Oklahoma is a member of JA USA. Visit www.jaok.org for more information.