Department of Education signs agreement with Junior Achievement Americas to boost financial education for high school students

• The agreement will allow public school students to access financial education programs that help them make informed decisions about their personal finances.

• Junior Achievement Americas President, Noël Zemborain, and Secretary of Education, Eliezer Ramos Parés, formalized the alliance in San Juan.

The Department of Education of Puerto Rico (DEPR) and Junior Achievement (JA), one of the world’s most impactful non-profit organizations dedicated to preparing young people for the world of work, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, signed today a collaboration agreement to implement an innovative educational project aimed at high school students (grades 9 to 12) in the public education system.

As part of this alliance, JA will grant 2,000 free scholarships for students between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the Personal Economics and Personal Finance programs. The project will be delivered through a digital learning platform and will last between three and six weeks. It will also include interactive modules and initial teacher training to ensure the effectiveness of the program.

Financial literacy is key to making conscious decisions, avoiding excessive debt, and planning for a sustainable economic future. It is also fundamental for personal autonomy and economic inclusion. JA promotes learning practical tools for planning, saving, investing, and managing credit from an early age, through a hands-on learning approach. The scholarships will enable public school students to participate in financial education programs designed to develop practical skills and strengthen their ability to make informed financial decisions, helping them manage their resources responsibly and build a more prosperous future.

The signing ceremony was led by Noël Zemborain, President of Junior Achievement Americas, and Eliezer Ramos Parés, Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Secretary Ramos Parés highlighted the importance of this agreement:

“We are committed to providing our students with the tools they need for their academic and professional future. Financial education is essential for them to make responsible decisions and to develop a successful life plan. We thank Junior Achievement Americas for joining this effort and contributing to the comprehensive education of our youth,” he said.

For her part, Noël Zemborain emphasized:

“This alliance allows us to reach thousands of Puerto Rican youth with key content for their future. Financial education is a fundamental skill that impacts not only their personal decisions but also the development of their communities. We thank the Department of Education for trusting our work and joining this shared goal.”

The agreement will remain in effect until December 2025 and also includes technical support for teachers, pre- and post-program evaluations to measure impact, as well as the issuance of participation certificates for students and instruction certificates for teachers. This initiative is part of DEPR’s vision to integrate complementary programs into the school curriculum that strengthen young people’s preparation to face academic, professional, and personal challenges in today’s world.

With more than 100 years of global experience and presence in 26 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, Junior Achievement Americas implements programs that promote employability, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, reaching more than 2.5 million students in the region every year.