Crossroads Chamber and Junior Achievement Help 2,000 Students Gain Real-World Financial Skills at JA Chambertown

On St. Patrick’s Day, the Crossroads Chamber and Junior Achievement partnered for their annual JA Chambertown event, feeling especially “lucky” to support more than 2,000 students across nine schools in strengthening their financial literacy skills.

Held on March 17, JA Chambertown brought together local businesses, educators and community members to deliver an engaging and impactful learning experience, made possible through the dedication of nearly 100 volunteers. Higher education institutions, including Purdue University Northwest, also played an important role in supporting the initiative.

“Purdue prioritizes volunteering and engaging with our community, so we’re always looking for ways to contribute to events like JA Chambertown,” said Auburn Dodd-Golston, Admissions Specialist and volunteer from Purdue University Northwest. “We’re grateful for any opportunity that allows us to connect with students, organizations, and businesses across the region while helping shape the next generations of leaders.”

JA Chambertown is a unique, hands-on program designed as a fully immersive simulation of a real-world town. Students are challenged to navigate an economic adventure where they make decisions about housing, food, transportation, and other everyday expenses. Guided by Chamber businesses and community volunteers, students gain a deeper understanding of budgeting, financial responsibility, and the true cost of daily life.

“This program is an incredible way to introduce students to real-world financial decision making,” said Roslyn Malouhos, Northwest Indiana Division Director of Junior Achievement of Chicago. “The goal is to help young people understand what adulthood looks like and how education and career choices directly shape their financial future and overall lifestyle.”

The event also highlights strong partnerships with local businesses that participate by volunteering their time. These interactions create meaningful connections between students and the business community, with organizations such as Centier Bank playing a key role.

“At Centier, we believe financial education is a vital foundation for youth, providing the essential tools they need to achieve lifelong independence and success,” said Jess Martinez-Garcia, Senior Community Relations Specialist at Centier Bank. “Our associates bring true servant hearts to this mission, moving beyond the branch to mentor the next generation through impactful volunteerism. By investing our time and expertise in the community, we ensure that every young person has the opportunity to build a secure financial future.

Through its partnership with Junior Achievement, the Crossroads Chamber continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to build essential life and career skills. JA Chambertown connects classroom learning with real-world application, giving students the tools and confidence to make informed financial decisions.

“Education and workforce development are key pillars of our chamber’s mission,” said Deann Patena, IOM, CEO and President of Crossroads Chamber. “By bridging the gap between schools and the business community, initiatives like JA Chambertown help prepare students across Northwest Indiana for long-term success in both their careers and personal lives.”

“I personally always look forward to this event because it gives our students a way to think realistically about how it truly is,” said Joshua Suttle, a teacher at Hanover Central Middle School. “It’s not just money in and money out; budgeting requires taking a hard look at potential obstacles that influence future financial standing.”

The Crossroads Chamber remains committed to fostering opportunities that strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline while empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.