Business education is booming at Tenoroc High School, where Polk County Public Schools will soon open the Junior Achievement (JA) Barnett Family Discovery Center. PCPS and local leaders broke ground on the site on Monday, March 30.

This center will offer immersive programs for students of all ages. Fifth graders will get hands-on experience with money and civics at Muma Biztown, a simulated city with mayors, businesses, and banks. High schoolers can explore future careers and learn financial concepts like taxes + budgeting at JA Finance Park.

Polk students no longer have to take long field trips to the nearest JA centers in Tampa. | Rendering via Polk County Public Schools

Tenoroc High also offers JA's 3DE career readiness program. When the Discovery Center opens this fall, it will be the first site in the nation with all three JA programs. More than 20,000 students will visit the center each year on field trips.

The project is expected to cost around $14.4 million, funded by PCPS, the State of Florida, corporate sponsors, and private donors.