CareFirst Unveils Interactive Healthcare Experience at Junior Achievement Finance Park
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) understands that social drivers of health, such as access to safe housing, nutritious foods and quality education, significantly impact health outcomes. Recognizing the importance of public health and education, CareFirst has launched a new interactive storefront at Junior Achievement Finance Park in Prince George's County. This initiative aims to educate students about the various elements that impact health, helping them understand how their choices and societal factors affect their overall well-being.
"Good health isn't just about clinical care—it's about having opportunities. Missed appointments, delayed care and tough choices between basic needs and medical needs highlight deeper systemic issues. Early engagement is key to overcoming these challenges. That's why we invest in proactive solutions that address social drivers of health and lead to lasting, improved health outcomes."
Brian D. Pieninck, President and CEO, CareFirst
The Junior Achievement Finance Park bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-life application. It offers students hands-on experiences in financial management and career readiness, preparing them for future challenges. The CareFirst storefront educates students about healthcare in a comprehensive way, emphasizing the connection between health and other aspects of life. This experiential learning environment aims to improve health outcomes by teaching students the importance of preventive care and informed health choices.
"For many students, this may be the first introduction to how health insurance works—and why it matters. CareFirst is making these concepts relatable and easy to understand, so students can develop self-efficacy in navigating the healthcare system. This partnership with CareFirst will empower thousands of students each year to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare costs and coverage, helping them build a foundation for financial success."
Dr. Monica Goldson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
Since its launch in 2015, Junior Achievement Finance Park at Prince George's County has engaged 9,000 middle school students annually, equipping them with the tools and skills to make informed financial decisions and pursue their dreams. Over the next three years, the CareFirst storefront will serve more than 36,000 students, continuing its mission to empower young people to make informed health and financial choices.
This collaboration highlights the importance of combining formal education with experiential learning. Junior Achievement’s learning model promotes practical lessons in citizenship, responsibility and community involvement alongside core classroom concepts. Effective community health partnerships take shape in spaces like Junior Achievement, where people learn and connect—and CareFirst is proud to be part of the group of organizations investing in this meaningful opportunity for Prince George’s County students.
As CareFirst continues to innovate and expand its role beyond a traditional health plan, this partnership with Junior Achievement marks a significant step forward in community health education. By providing students with the knowledge and resources to effectively engage with healthcare, CareFirst and Junior Achievement are laying the foundation for healthier, more informed future generations.
Read more about Junior Achievement of Greater Washington here: Junior Achievement of Greater Washington.
To learn more about our efforts to transform the healthcare experience, please check out our 2024 Mission Report.
