OREM, Utah – The Woodbury Junior Achievement City has officially opened in Orem, Utah, thanks to the support of Dominion Energy and other local businesses. The JA BizTown hub for student learning has been six years in the making, and Dominion Energy played a significant role in the $8 million project’s fundraising efforts. The Woodbury Corp donated the 10,500-square-foot space in University Place. 

Dominion Energy and its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation regularly contribute tens of millions of dollars to community causes across the country. The company’s sponsorship of JA BizTown is a natural fit for its commitment to empowering the next generation.

“Being a part of Junior Achievement City is about so much more than just sponsoring an event,” said Brady Rasmussen, Vice President & General Manager, Dominion Energy Wexpro and board member of Junior Achievement Utah. “It’s about investing in the future of our community and helping to build a brighter tomorrow for all of us.” 

In JA BizTown, fifth-grade students can experience a simulated economy and take on the challenge of running a business. Dominion Energy’s store provides and maintains natural gas resources for all the companies in JA City and the wider community. Through Junior Achievement’s hands-on learning simulations, students assume the responsibilities of adults and learn how to work together to create a vibrant community. 

An ongoing campaign is underway to ensure that the Woodbury JA City operates to total capacity in the coming school years, allowing Junior Achievement to reach two-thirds of Utah’s fifth graders. 
“We’ve dreamed of this exciting day for years,” said Christy Tribe, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Utah. “We believe that children can’t be what they can’t see, and there’s no better place to explore careers and sample life as an adult than JA City.”

The students begin by doing classroom learning in their elementary schools, and the experience culminates with a visit to one of the two Utah JA cities to put into practice the things they have learned. While in the JA Biztown, each attendee applies for a job and performs the duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The students learns about taxes, payroll, rent and utility consumption and are able to experience running a business for a day.  This hands on-experience leaves a lasting impression on students that attend, giving them a real-life knowledge and foundation that they can build upon.

"At the end of the day, it's all about giving back. Being involved in Junior Achievement City is our way of investing in the future of our community and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential," said Rasmussen. "Dominion Energy is proud to support programs like Junior Achievement that empower young entrepreneurs and inspire future generations of leaders. Who knows – the next CEO of Dominion Energy could have had their start here as CEO of Dominion Energy BizTown."

To learn more about Dominion Energy's community involvement, please visit Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.