Meet a Mentor: Randy Wells, Former Managing Director, RBC Capital

Patricia WellsGeneral, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Each year, the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition pairs three Denver-area business leaders with three up-and-coming youth entrepreneurs. Young Americans Center for Financial Education is pleased to introduce the first of our presenting mentors for the 2022 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition: Randy Wells, former Managing Director of RBC Capital Markets’ Communications, Media, and Entertainment Group. One lucky winner …

Girl puts cash in Young AmeriTowne donation bin

Sponsor Spotlight: Schlessman Family Foundation and Community First Foundation Support Philanthropy and Giving Back

Carolyn Stevens-WoodGeneral, Programs, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

What do youth documentaries, Colorado rivers and homeless pets all have in common? These causes were all supported by Young AmeriTowne students as they learned about philanthropy and giving back to their community. Schlessman Family Foundation Philanthropy Check Presentation Each year, the Center’s Youth Advisory Board selects a total of 12 nonprofit organizations for students to learn about. During  their ...
Student wearing an Xcel Energy cap writes product prices on a white board with a pink marker

Sponsor Spotlight: Xcel Energy is Energizing the Future

Carolyn Stevens-WoodGeneral, Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

In 2022, the Xcel Energy Foundation revised its grant program to bolster their community impact, better align with the company’s business priorities, and reflect their diversity, equity and inclusion commitments. The new program, Energizing the Future, strategically targets their foundation giving within three focus areas: STEM Career Pathways, Environmental Sustainability and Community Vitality. To further demonstrate Xcel Energy’s commitment to …

Students and Advisor are having a conversation outside Young AmeriTowne Towne Hall

Sponsor Spotlight: Janus Henderson Helps Youth Achieve Their Full Potential

Carolyn Stevens-WoodGeneral, Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

Since its inception, the Janus Henderson Foundation has contributed $45 million to thousands of nonprofits and Young Americans Center for Financial Education is thrilled to be one of them! As they help people to reach their goals with their investment products, Janus Henderson also invests in their community. With a mission to help youth achieve their full potential through access …

Winners' reaction to announcement

Young Entrepreneurs Flourish at Aspen Crossing Elementary’s YouthBiz Pitch Finale

Anna LeerEvents, General, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

On Friday, May 20th, YouthBiz hosted the finale of our StartUp program for the students of Aspen Crossing Elementary School.  The event took place at MSU Denver’s Science building as a culminating field trip for participating students.  One hundred fifth grade students participated, all hoping to impress local business leaders with their business pitches and prototypes.  Over ten days, the …

Anna Brekken - Colorado and Company May 2022

Colorado and Company: AnnaMade Design Co.

Patricia WellsGeneral, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Anna Brekken, owner of AnnaMade Design Co., was not only a finalist in the 2021 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition, she also runs her own Etsy shop, is a regular vendor at YouthBiz Marketplaces and craft fairs, and – fun fact – she plays the organ(!). Anna has always enjoyed arts and crafts, so when her grandmother taught her …

Money Background

Concept of the Month: Making a Budget

Patricia WellsBank, General Leave a Comment

What Is a Budget? People make decisions about what they can afford, or have enough money to pay for, based on a budget. A budget tracks the amount of money you have, the amount you earn, and the amount you spend. Budgets aren’t just for adults. Kids can make budgets, too. Budgets can help kids figure out how to get …

JP Morgan volunteers hold boxes of supplies they filled for YouthBiz StartUp

Sponsor Spotlight: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Works to Uplift All Communities

Carolyn Stevens-WoodGeneral, Get Involved, International Towne, Young AmeriTowne, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

With 56,000 volunteers around the globe donating 383,000 hours to nonprofits, we know that the Denver area employees of JPMorgan Chase & Co. are certainly contributing to these incredible numbers of engagement. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has been a community partner of the Young Americans Center for Financial Education for 15 years. They are a strong supporter both in philanthropic …

Vivian Blessing Colorado and Company April 2022

Colorado and Company: Bright Side Wonders

Patricia WellsGeneral, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Vivian Blessing, owner of Bright Side Wonders, is an energetic 13 year-old who somehow manages to balance school, dance, and running a business. Bored during the pandemic, Vivian, age 11 at the time, was looking for a new hobby. After attending a Kidpreneur class online she started to make honey-based soaps and a variety of handmade skincare products that use safe …