Valley Bank Opens Storefront at JA BizTown to Inspire Financial Literacy Among Students

by Sharon Aron Baron October 17, 2025

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Ribbon-cutting for Valley Bank at Junior Achievement South Florida {JA South Florida}

Junior Achievement of South Florida celebrated the grand opening of Valley Bank’s new storefront at JA BizTown on Oct. 16, coinciding with the organization’s annual Impact Breakfast recognizing community partners.

Located inside the JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion at 1130 Coconut Creek Boulevard, JA BizTown is a fully interactive, simulated town where students take on real-world roles better to understand economics, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility. Participants can operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and even campaign and vote for mayor.

Valley Bank’s new presence joins Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), and Sandra & Bob Moss Art in the Park, plus 18 other storefronts sponsored by local businesses inside the Dave and Lorraine Thomas JA BizTown and the Falcone Family JA BizTown. The hands-on experience introduces students to financial literacy concepts by allowing them to run a working bank branch, manage deposits, and engage in daily business transactions with their peers acting as customers and fellow business owners.

“We are committed to helping our children discover their purpose and pursue meaningful futures,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “JA programs are where education meets opportunity, curiosity becomes confidence and young people prepare to step boldly into their futures.”

Each year, more than 21,000 fifth-grade students from Broward and South Palm Beach counties visit JA BizTown. With Valley Bank’s involvement, the program will continue expanding access to financial education for youth across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Valley Bank {JA South Florida}

The simulation aims to prepare students for future careers by integrating critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, responsibility, and customer service. By connecting classroom lessons with real-world applications, JA BizTown provides students with a foundation for financial confidence and professional success.

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