A renovated, collaborative space benefiting Junior Achievement of Washington’s “JA World” learning facility in Auburn opens after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at 1610 Perimeter Road SW.

The PEMCO Achievement Zone is a 2,400-square-foot gathering space designed to provide visitors, among them K-12 students, educators, residents and local businesses with a collaborative meeting space that fosters creative thinking and innovation. There, students can learn the principles of responsible financial management, market-based economics and work readiness.

As part of the design, which was donated by PEMCO’s creative partner, Periscope, the new space incorporates original art from more than 20 students, ranging from fourth to 12th grade, who were invited to create large pieces that reflect the Northwest, their communities and their futures. The art installations will be displayed in rotation and will continue to expand to include additional students’ creative perspectives.

The PEMCO Achievement Zone, which PEMCO Mutual Insurance commissioned and built, celebrates the organizations’ shared goals of inspiring innovation, entrepreneurship and financial literacy in young people and preparing them for future success.

Junior Achievement’s JA World in Auburn is one of two interactive learning facilities in Washington that immerse students in financial literacy, the world of work and entrepreneurship. The facilities provide a dynamic, experiential learning system complemented by classroom curriculum.