Interactive 'YOUtility' Storefront Helps Students Learn to Save Energy and Money

Landover, Md - Pepco is proud to join with Junior Achievement of Greater Washington in the launch of the new JA Finance Park® in Prince George's County. The center, at the G. James Gholson Middle School and Cora L. Rice Elementary School, provides an engaging space for middle-school students to learn personal finance skills for the 21st Century.

The center offers a variety of storefronts, individual educational spaces where students can learn different aspects of managing their money. Pepco collaborated with Washington Gas on the "YOUtilities" storefront, which is equipped with interactive tools where students can learn how to budget for their energy costs and save money through digital technology and energy efficiency.

"Pepco has been a leader in helping customers manage their energy bills," said Kevin McGowan, vice president, regulatory affairs, and a member of the Junior Achievement of Greater Washington Board of Directors. "To that end, the 'YOUtilities' storefront will help students, as part of their overall experience, learn how to make wise decisions with energy use, a valuable skill they can take back to their schools and their families and further develop in the future."

The "YOUtilities" storefront includes the "Be Smart @ Home" interactive home which is equipped with an advanced electric meter, commonly known as a smart meter, and accompanying energy tips. There's also the interactive "YOUtility Challenge" touch-screen video game that enables students to discover ways to save money as they move through a simulated home.

The center is the first of its kind in Maryland. About 9,000 middle school students are expected to visit the center every year.

"JA Finance Park® is about inspiring a generation of Prince George's County youth to be financially capable," said Ed Grenier, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. 

"It's about giving them power to make the right financial choices and a new perspective on why staying in school and setting college and career goals is important to their ability to achieve their dreams," Grenier added. "We are thrilled that Maryland's first JA Finance Park® will be right here in Prince George's County, and are so thankful to partners like Pepco who join with us in our commitment to the boundless potential of these young people. The future starts today-and it starts right here within these walls."