The Heartland Education Foundation is proud to continue its mission of empowering Crandall ISD students through real-world learning experiences. Most recently, Heartland sponsored Crandall Middle School 7th graders as they participated in JA Finance Park at the Crandall ISD JA Discovery Center — an interactive experience designed to build essential financial literacy skills.
In preparation for their visit, students completed a series of classroom lessons covering critical topics such as budgeting, credit, and responsible financial decision-making. Once at JA Finance Park, students stepped into an immersive simulation where they were each assigned a unique life scenario, complete with an education level, career, income, and family structure. With their assigned profiles, students navigated financial decisions like housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, and more—while working to balance a real-life budget.
Throughout the day, students encountered situations that required them to apply for loans, evaluate expenses, and see firsthand how credit scores influence financial opportunities. With guidance from dedicated community volunteers, students made informed choices while developing a deeper understanding of how financial responsibility shapes long-term stability and success.
This powerful experience took place at the JA Discovery Center, located at Crandall ISD’s Rayne Education Center—the first JA Discovery Center of its kind in Texas. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Heartland Education Foundation, the center provides Crandall ISD students in grades 4–12 with engaging, hands-on learning that connects classroom lessons to real-world applications.
“Heartland Education Foundation is committed to investing in opportunities that prepare students for success beyond the classroom,” said Foundation representatives. “By providing experiences like JA Finance Park, we’re helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they’ll need to navigate their financial futures.”
The Foundation is honored to support these innovative learning experiences and remains dedicated to helping every Crandall ISD student build a strong foundation for life-long success.
