United Community announces corporate sponsorship of Junior Achievement BizTown Mobile® of South Carolina
January 20, 2026
United Community announced a new three-year corporate sponsorship with Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown Mobile® of South Carolina. This hands-on program brings a mini city to South Carolina schools, where students get to run businesses, earn “paychecks” and make real-world money decisions. As the official bank sponsor, United Community is proud to help thousands of students learn how to earn, save and spend wisely – all while having fun.
Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, JA BizTown Mobile is expected to serve 4,000 to 5,000 students, with participation projected to grow each year as the program reaches more schools. The program serves students across Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Greenwood and Beaufort, increasing access to hands-on financial education in communities throughout South Carolina.
“At United Community, we believe financial confidence starts early,” said Julie Von Bokern, senior vice president and head of marketing and communications at United Community. “JA BizTown lets students practice real-life money decisions, such as earning, saving and working together, so financial decisions feel familiar, not intimidating. Supporting programs like this helps us invest in future leaders and build stronger communities.”
United Community South Carolina and Coastal Georgia State President Dixon Woodward added, “Helping young people build confidence with money is something we care deeply about at United Community. JA BizTown Mobile gives students real-life practice with money choices, helping them feel prepared and empowered as they grow.”
As part of United Community’s commitment, employee volunteers recently supported JA BizTown Mobile at AJ Whittenberg Elementary School in Greenville, coaching students through their daily tasks and engaging with teachers and JA facilitators. United’s sponsorship provides ongoing volunteering opportunities for employees during BizTown events across the state, while introducing students to United Community as a trusted partner in their local communities.
“Support from partners like United Community allows us to expand this hands-on experience to more schools and communities, helping students build confidence, understand the value of teamwork and develop essential skills they’ll carry with them into the future,” said Bette Bronson, vice president of education at Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina.
About United Community
United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution committed to building stronger communities and improving the financial health and well-being of its customers. United Community offers a full range of banking, mortgage and wealth management services. As of December 31, 2025, United Community Banks, Inc. had $28 billion in assets and operated 199 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company also manages a nationally recognized SBA lending franchise and a national equipment finance subsidiary, extending its reach to businesses across the country. United is an 11-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for highest customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast and was named the most trusted bank in the region in 2025. The company has also been recognized nine consecutive years by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For.” In commercial banking, United earned five 2025 Greenwich Best Brand awards, including national honors for middle market satisfaction. Forbes has consistently named United among the World’s Best and America’s Best Banks. Learn more at ucbi.com.
About Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina
For 58 years, Junior Achievement (JA) of Greater SC has been preparing students for the future workforce in 43 counties across South Carolina with JA learning experiences. This school year JA expects to reach over 42,000 students. JA envisions a world where young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities through learning experiences focused on three critical life skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. JA’s strategy is to recruit corporate and community volunteers who serve as mentors and role models to deliver the statistically proven JA curriculum to students in their classrooms or virtually during the school day.
