Share This Article
About FirstBank
FirstBank was established in Colorado in 1963 as a local bank to serve Coloradans. Although it has spread to 115 locations in Colorado, Arizona, and California, FirstBank remains committed to investing in communities.
FirstBank and Young Americans
FirstBank’s commitment to community involvement has made it a long-time partner of the Young American Center for Financial Education. FirstBank of South Jeffco first sponsored the Young American Center though our 1994 “Class Transactions” program, a program that introduced banking concepts to elementary students in their classrooms.
FirstBank of Wheat Ridge and FirstBank of South Jeffco sponsored elementary schools in 1996 so that low-income students could participate in Young AmeriTowne. Then President Jeff Ward of Wheat Ridge wrote, “We feel [Young AmeriTowne] is a beneficial program for the youth in our community, and appreciate your effort in teaching the students about free enterprise.”
Starting in 1997, FirstBank of South Jeffco made a commitment to sponsor the “Bank shop” at Young AmeriTowne and to bring Young AmeriTowne to Jefferson County. Over the next eight years, FirstBank provided funds as well as expertise to build a second Young AmeriTowne in Belmar.
Ever since Young AmeriTowne Belmar opened its doors in January of 2005, FirstBank has been a valuable “Bank” sponsor. Besides the financial support FirstBank provides, Young AmeriTowne Bankers at Belmar have the opportunity to fill out their own business cards, pass out free debit card sleeves, count-out realistic “FirstBank AmeriTowne” dollars, and wear orange-colored ties and scarves—all thanks to the generosity and creativity of FirstBank. In short, FirstBank’s sponsorship makes the AmeriTowne Bank at Belmar feel like a real bank branch.
FirstBank also supports Young Americans’ entrepreneurial programs. In 2004 Young Americans debuted its Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs event (CYE) which recognized and awarded prizes to leading young business owners in Colorado. FirstBank signed up as a sponsor in CYE’s inaugural year, and it sponsored the event every year after that as well.
The Young American Center is grateful for FirstBank’s consistent support for financial education over the last decade. FirstBank has helped make it possible for more than 300,000 Colorado young people to participate in Young AmeriTowne, and it has contributed to the financial literacy of thousands more!
