BERLIN — Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) will be expanding its program reach in the 2015-2016 school year with the inclusion of “JA Finance Park Virtual.”

To harmonize with Worcester County Education Foundation’s mission to provide students with equal access to a digital education, JAES will provide this technology-based virtual learning experience to all high schools in the county.

Finance Park Virtual is an online, teacher and guest speaker guided game that provides students hands-on lessons in personal finance management via a simulated reality in which the students learn how to construct and adhere to a personal budget – including housing, food, savings, transportation, entertainment, health care, utilities, clothing, and education.

The total JAES student reach in Worcester County is expected to exceed 1,000 this year as Finance Park Virtual experience adds to the non-profit’s existing in-class K-12 programs on financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. JAES offers these age-appropriate programs to students throughout Worcester County at no cost to the schools. Funding for these programs is raised through donations, grants and fundraisers, such as the annual Adopt a School Dinner on Nov. 4 where supporters purchase an event table with the funds providing JA program materials to an entire class.

JAES is a nonprofit organization committed to giving young people in all communities the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Through its hands-on, age-appropriate programs Junior Achievement inspires youth to live within their means, prepare for the world of work and understand the free enterprise system. Today, JAES teaches more than 6,000 students across the Eastern Shore. To become a volunteer, donate or find out more information about supporting JA, email JAES at info@easternshoreja.org, phone at 410.742.8112, or log on to www.easternshoreja.org.