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Dear Young Americans Center for Financial Education Supporters,
Thank you to the many organizations which have reached out with an expression of genuine concern for the populations we serve.
It has been because of your steadfast commitment to the mission of Young Americans Center for Financial Education (Center) that the Young AmeriTowne, International Towne and YouthBiz programs have grown to serve 48,300 youth a year at more than 500 schools and partner agencies across the state.
Your renewed commitment to continued financial support of the organization is more important than ever. In our 30 years of operation, Young Americans Center has NEVER turned away a student or school because of a lack of ability to pay. And, with the changing economic landscape, we can safely say schools’ financial aid needs will increase.
Many of the state’s school districts including several of the largest (Denver Public School, Jefferson County, Cherry Creek School District to name a few) have extended their spring break to close schools out of concern for the new coronavirus. This has resulted in the immediate cancellation of school trips to Townes and the YouthBiz program which has a direct negative financial impact. We are planning for program closures for the next three weeks. The Center has some capacity at the end of the school year to reschedule schools, and we are monitoring the possibility of school districts extending their school year which will enable us to rebook schools and recoup revenue. Our expenses will not change as we remain committed to our exceptional staff, many of whom have a longtime tenure with the Center.
The Center’s education programs have never been more relevant than they are in the current climate with our economy facing severe consequences. The Center provides essential financial literacy and workforce readiness experiences. With no state mandate for personal financial literacy, these programs are often the only financial education a child receives.
We will stay in touch as the situation necessitates. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Rich Martinez
President and CEO
