Ring Power is throwing its weight behind the next big classroom in downtown Jacksonville, signing on as the signature corporate partner for Junior Achievement of North Florida’s planned $15 million Experiential Learning Center at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Downtown Campus. The longtime North Florida equipment dealer’s commitment lands just as organizers say the campaign is shifting from concept and planning into construction readiness.
According to the Jacksonville Business Journal, Ring Power is being billed as the ELC’s signature partner and is among the first Jacksonville-area companies to formally back the effort. Organizers say support from employers like Ring Power will help close the final tranche of funding needed to start work on the center.
About the Experiential Learning Center
The project website, JA Experiential Learning Center, describes a 35,000-square-foot “living classroom” designed to serve more than 30,000 students each year. The campaign has raised about $4 million toward its $15 million goal, according to the site.
In a press release, Junior Achievement of North Florida said design and engineering work for the ELC is already underway. Construction is targeted to begin in 2026, with a soft opening projected for fall 2027.
Why Ring Power's Support Matters
Ring Power notes that it is North and Central Florida’s full-line Caterpillar dealer, with a wide footprint across the region, which organizers say makes it a natural fit for an ELC centered on career-connected, hands-on learning. The company has a history of equipment donations and workforce training initiatives that Junior Achievement and its partners say could translate into mentorship and practical exhibits inside the new center.
Local leaders and educators say the ELC could become a pipeline into trades, technical and financial careers, and Junior Achievement is urging other employers to follow Ring Power’s lead as it works to close the remaining fundraising gap. Earlier coverage by the Jax Daily Record documented a long-term land lease with FSCJ’s Downtown Campus and noted that organizers expect thousands of volunteers and engagement from more than 200 partner companies annually.
