Bread Financial Supports Junior Achievement of Central Ohio’s Financial Literacy Mission

$1.5 million gift invests in ongoing and expanded financial education programming for area youth

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc., a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, flexible payment, lending and saving solutions, announced a $1.5 million gift to Junior Achievement of Central Ohio (JA). JA inspires and prepares central Ohio K-12 students to achieve more in their lives and careers by delivering proven career-preparation, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs in and out of the classroom.

The contribution will support JA’s educational experiences for central Ohio students of all ages, including curriculum and simulation-based programs like JA Finance Park^® and JA BizTown^® that prepare students to be engaged, productive members of the future workforce. In addition to its monetary support, Bread Financial has also pledged a goal of logging more than 1,000 employee volunteer hours with JA across the U.S in 2023.

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“Bread Financial is dedicated to strengthening our communities through investments that foster financial literacy and independence,” said Ralph Andretta, president and chief executive officer, Bread Financial. “The students impacted by this gift are future customers or employees, and we are firmly committed to investing in resources that empower them to make sound financial decisions starting at a young age.”

A recent study by the Milikin Institute found that 57% of U.S. adults are financially illiterate¹. JA is working to combat those numbers, and according to third-party research², 82% of JA alumni agree they have a strong financial footing and are also more likely to finish college, find satisfying careers and/or start a business. During the 2021-22 school year, JA served more than 16,000 students throughout central Ohio, and has plans to expand its reach to more than 50,000 students throughout 25 Ohio counties by 2027.

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“This is a transformational gift for JA and the Ohio communities we serve,” said Mike Davis, president, Junior Achievement of Central Ohio. “JA takes an engaging, immersive approach to financial education and empowers young people with the mindsets and skillsets to reach their full potential. Together with partners like Bread Financial, we can further expand our reach and provide even more students with the tools for a successful financial future.”

Bread Financial has a long history of supporting Junior Achievement USA and its local affiliates. With this latest investment, financial contributions total more than $2 million to the organization.