Morrow may get Junior Achievement facility

Junior Achievement of Georgia has plans for South Metro Discovery Center and the city of Morrow is a likely candidate. The non-profit whose mission is “to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy,” has eyed 50,000 square feet of currently unused space inside the Morrow Conference and Event Center, the Henry Herald reported.

The development would be a hub for a collective effort among Junior Achievement , local school districts and JA’s corporate sponsors. The organization operates other centers in Atlanta and Gwinnett County and is set to open a North Georgia center in August 2018.

JA Discovery Centers are learning facilities where students apply classroom concepts “in authentic and immersive experience,” according to the organization. Middle school students participate in simulated communities to improve their understanding of financial concepts and learn real-life business skills.

According to Robb Miltner, the executive director of Civentum, the Designated Marketing Organization for the Morrow Center, Junior Achievement of Georgia is looking to open another center by the 2020 school year, and Morrow is on the short list. He added that during a Morrow CityCouncil worksession on Oct. 24 it appeared discussions were moving forward with Morrow.

JA is expected to draft a memorandum of understanding for the City Council’s approval, and if signed, the organization will move forward with a feasibility study for developing part of the approximately 137,000 gross square feet of unoccupied space at the Morrow Center.