Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay celebrated its 50th anniversary Thursday.
Since 1965, more than a million young adults in the Bay area have benefited from Junior Achievement programs. The non-profit organization aims to provide economic, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs to young adults.
On Thursday, the non-profit organization recognized its corporate sponsors and individual leaders, who have contributed to its 50 years of inspiration.
The event was co-chaired by University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft and philanthropist Pam Muma and hosted nearly 600 business, education and community leaders at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa.
Thomas A. James, Executive Chairman of Raymond James Financial, received the Junior Achievement National Gold Leadership Award.
"Tom James’ contributions include that of volunteer, board member and campaign leader," JA Tampa Bay President Richard George said. "Tom always leads by example, initiating collaboration and partnership with the goal of providing more economic, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs and services to young people.”
Previous recipients of that award include Pam and Leslie Muma, who recently donated $25 million to USF's College of Business, Bright House Senior Vice President Michael Robertson, former Florida CFO Alex Sink and philanthropist Gus Stavros.
Bay News 9's parent company Bright House Networks is one of the many sponsors of Junior Achievement.