There’s something both heartwarming and heartbreaking about watching 4th graders at Junior Achievement BizTown.
This year, fourth grade students from all three elementary schools attended BizTown thanks to a grant from the Foundation.
Junior Achievement BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town. This popular learning experience allows elementary school students the chance to operate banks, manage restaurants, write and deposit checks, work at local businesses, and vote for mayor.
Thanks to a grant request from Breton Downs teachers Cheryl Radecki, Meg Richards and Randa Lee, the Foundation first funded a trip to BizTown for their classes back in 2024. Soon, thanks to another Foundation grant, the opportunity was extended to all fourth grade students.
Watching students at BizTown is heartwarming because they’re so excited to be part of the simulated towns. They “work” at Grand Rapids Community College, Independent Bank, Bissell, Meijer, Gordon Food Service, and other local businesses. They open bank accounts, make purchases, vote, all the things grown-ups do every day, and they’re thrilled to do it. They find joy in their jobs, excitement in their transactions, pleasure in being part of a community.
And that’s the heartbreaking part. Because when does that end?
Thank you, Foundation donors, for funding this opportunity for our students. And for the reminder that maybe the rest of us can still find some of that joy in the everyday.
