If you live here, you know the Muma name—and more importantly, the generosity that comes with it. The Muma family has a way of quietly showing up for our community, supporting the kind of ideas that truly make a difference. One of those is JA BizTown at Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, a hands-on experience where students get a glimpse into the real world—running businesses, managing money, and building confidence along the way. It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression, made possible by a family that continues to invest in the future of Tampa Bay in the most meaningful way.

A few interesting points about renaming JA BizTown to Muma BizTown: 

• The Mumas’ multi-decade involvement, including a $5 million planned gift and $2–3 million in operational support, has enriched the BizTown experience for 300,000+ students across the Tampa Bay region.
• Aligning the Muma name with BizTown strengthens local community relevance and links the program to institutions known for leadership in education and innovation, including USF’s Muma College of Business and Tampa General’s Muma Children’s Hospital.
• The renaming underscores JA Tampa Bay’s broader growth strategy. The chapter is expanding to 28 3DE schoolsand establishing new experiential learning centers across the region, prompting a modernization of brand architecture and donor recognition that reflects both JA’s mission and today’s philanthropic landscape.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay Renames “JA BizTown” as “Muma BizTown,” Honoring Decades of Transformative Support and Community Impact from the Muma Family

Rebranding coincides with BizTown’s 20th anniversary; the milestone will be commemorated at the Spirit of Achievement event on March 5

TAMPA BAY, FL. — January 21, 2026 — Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay (JA Tampa Bay) today announced that JA BizTown in Tampa Bay and Polk County is now Muma BizTown, recognizing the long-standing and transformative support of Pam and Les Muma. The Mumas’ multi-decade involvement, including a $5 million planned gift and $2–3 million in operational support, has enriched the BizTown experience for 300,000+ students across the region.

“This naming represents more than recognition — it reflects decades of shared commitment to education, opportunity and the future of our community,” said Richard George, President, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. “The Mumas’ support has helped ensure BizTown remains a place where students don’t just learn about the world of work, but experience it in meaningful, lasting ways.”

In addition to honoring the Mumas’ legacy, the renaming underscores JA Tampa Bay’s broader growth strategy. The chapter is expanding to 28 3DE schools and establishing new experiential learning centers across the region, prompting a modernization of brand architecture and donor recognition that reflects both JA’s mission and today’s philanthropic landscape.

“We truly believe in Junior Achievement’s mission and the power of experiential learning to change lives,” said Pam Muma. “After so many years, we’ve seen firsthand how BizTown, along with their other impactful education programs, sparks confidence and possibility. We look forward to what’s ahead for students.”

Strengthening Local Relevance and Community Ties

Aligning the Muma name with BizTown strengthens local community relevance and links the program to institutions known for leadership in education and innovation, including USF’s Muma College of Business and Tampa General’s Muma Children’s Hospital.

From classrooms to boardrooms and from hospitals to innovation hubs, the Muma name has become synonymous with excellence and impact throughout the Tampa Bay region. By aligning BizTown with this legacy, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay is elevating philanthropic visibility for a donor whose decades of support have directly contributed to the program’s success. This renaming also reinforces the importance of long-term partnerships in advancing JA’s mission.

20th Anniversary Celebration

The renaming coincides with BizTown’s 20th anniversary. JA Tampa Bay will celebrate this milestone at its Spirit of Achievement event on March 5, 2026, honoring outstanding partners, educators and volunteers who help make Muma BizTown a cornerstone of experiential learning for students throughout Tampa Bay and Polk County.

About Muma BizTown

Muma BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated city where elementary students take on real-world roles, running businesses, managing finances, making civic decisions and experiencing the connections between education and career pathways. The immersive program empowers students with financial literacy, entrepreneurial thinking and work-readiness skills, preparing them to thrive in middle and high school, postsecondary education and the workforce.

About Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay

Junior Achievement is a for impact, non-profit organization that delivers K-12 programming for entrepreneurship, financial literacy and career readiness through the learning experiences of Muma BizTown, JA Finance Park and 3DE Schools in partnership with school districts and the business community. Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s volunteers and teachers inspired and prepared 46,270 students with 1,834,796 total Instructional Contact Hours in 2024-25 in the 13-county region. Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay is ranked #1 in the country for impact per student. For more information on the organization, visit www.jatampabay.org.

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