Local Students Dive into Real-World Learning Opportunities as The Florida Aquarium Cuts Ribbon of JA Biztown Storefront

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TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2024) – The Florida Aquarium recently announced the official opening of an interactive storefront and learning experience at Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s JA Biztown. The student-sized town provides hands-on learning exposure to the dynamics of running a business, managing a simulated economy, and exploring professional roles within a community setting.

In The Florida Aquarium’s storefront, students serve in a number of diverse roles found at the Aquarium, including becoming CEO for a day, acting as a veterinarian to learn about the Aquarium’s world-class animal care, participating in environmental services, managing the gift shop, and taking on the position of marketing manager to inspire awareness about the Aquarium’s animal care and conservation efforts.

“We are thrilled to unveil The Florida Aquarium’s storefront at JA Biztown, providing an exciting opportunity for emergent learners to engage with the wonders of the natural world through The Florida Aquarium,” said Tony Rokita, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Social Responsibility at The Florida Aquarium.

The Florida Aquarium envisions expanding this educational experience in the future by inviting students to spend a day at the Aquarium to job-shadow the professional in the role they explored while at Biztown.

About The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium actively participates in and promotes stewardship of the natural environment as part of its shared purpose to save marine wildlife. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, The Florida Aquarium provides an opportunity to see thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals, explore complex ecosystems, look for wild dolphins in Tampa Bay and more! More than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium is focused on saving marine wildlife through conservation research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s sea turtle and coral populations. To learn more, follow us on social media at @FloridaAaquarium and visit flaquarium.org.

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Contact The Florida Aquarium communications@flaquarium.org