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Bradley County board commits $300,000 to Junior Achievement "Inspiration Hub" buildout
Summary
Melissa Presswood asked the board to commit $150,000 this year and $150,000 next year (total $300,000) to help build a JA Inspiration Hub at the PIE Center; the board approved the request 7–0 to leverage expected grants and private funding.
At the Oct. 16 meeting, the Bradley County Board of Education voted to commit $300,000 toward a planned Junior Achievement "Inspiration Hub" at the PIE Center that will offer hands-on financial-literacy, career-exploration and business-operation experiences for elementary, middle and high school students.
Melissa Presswood, who is leading the initiative locally, said the district is pursuing a $500,000 grant from the Archer Charitable Foundation and additional private funding. "We're asking the board to contribute $150,000 towards the build up for the 2526 school year, and then also 150,000 for the 2627 school year for a total of $300,000," Presswood said.
Board members asked for cost context; Presswood said the total project is being estimated at about $1,500,000. Dr. Linda Cash told the board the requested board match comes from funds that arrived after the budget was passed and that the board allocation strengthens grant applications by demonstrating a local match. A motion to fund the hub passed 7–0.
Sponsors intend local business partnerships to sustain program operations after the buildout. Staff will present more detailed funding and implementation plans at follow-up meetings and a lunch-and-learn event about the hub is scheduled for Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. at the PIE Center.
