The National Plumbing Service proudly cut the ribbon on its storefront at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center of Greater Dalton on the Hammond Creek Middle School campus. The space allows middle school students to spend a day growing up and learning about the various roles and functions that the National Plumbing Service plays within the community. The center opened in March 2021 and serves more than 10,000 students from Northwest Georgia annually.
“I want to share a little about how we got here,” said Rosa Cuna, director of site operations for Junior Achievement of Georgia. “Almost a year ago, Anna Adamson and I attended a presentation at one of the local high schools.” It was an organization called Be Pro, Be Proud. Skilled trades/craft trades for students were highlighted. Construction work, electricians, plumbers, machinists, plumbers, etc. were highlighted.
“What I remember most from the presentation was the coordinator talking about plumbing. He said it wasn’t a very glamorous job, but if there was only one plumber out of the 25 students present, eventually they would all have to call just one plumber if they did it.” I had some plumbing issues. The whole presentation was impressive and Anna and I immediately started brainstorming. We wanted to highlight trade professions and some of the practical aspects and integrate them into our simulation area. Even before we got back to the office I told Anna I had a crazy idea. I told her I know the perfect place. I know the right person and here we are.
“Now I would like to introduce you to our special guests. We are honored to have the National Plumbing Service with us today. Mario (Rangel) and Jose (Rangel), thank you for making this a reality and investing in our students.”
The JA Discovery Center of Greater Dalton is a result of the partnership between Dalton Public Schools, Engineered Floors, Junior Achievement and more than 20 other local and national sponsors. The facility is a state-of-the-art learning center where students apply the concepts learned in the classroom in an authentic and immersive 360-degree experience. Upon arrival, students become part of a simulated version of their hometown through the JA BizTown and JA Finance Park programs. Here, students work alongside their peers and adult volunteers to develop a better understanding of financial concepts, build 21st-century skills, and foster their entrepreneurial spirit.
JA BizTown offers an unparalleled experience where sixth grade students can interact in a simulated economy and take on the challenge of driving a business forward. Here, students discover the intricacies of professional and community membership and the wealth of opportunities their city offers.
The JA Finance Park offers seventh and eighth graders a rare opportunity to experience their financial future firsthand. Given a given ‘life situation’, students engage in an immersive simulation that allows them to develop skills to navigate successfully in today’s complex business environment and to discover how today’s decisions can impact tomorrow.
“We’re proud that the National Plumbing Service represents technical careers and helps students envision their future in a career like plumbing that suits their individual skills and interests,” said Caroline Frost, JA of Georgia Northwestern Development Manager. Georgia. “We are proud to partner with the National Plumbing Service and will continue to ensure our programs meet the needs of our community. Thank you for supporting the students of Northwest Georgia.”
To find out more about attending the JA Discovery Center of Greater Dalton, contact Frost at cfrost@georgia.ja.org.
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