Meet a Mentor: Leigh Sullivan, Development Director, Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary

Patricia WellsGeneral, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

The third presenting mentor for our 2022 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition is Leigh Sullivan, Development Director for Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary. Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary is a 501c3 dedicated to pulling old & sick dogs out of shelters and rescue organizations, and bringing them to their vet-supervised dog sanctuary where they can live out their good, bad and …

Youth Business Places SECOND in Denver Startup Week Pitch Competition

Anna LeerEvents, General, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Denver Start Up Week is a celebration of all things entrepreneurial. It’s the largest free entrepreneurial event of its kind. Hundreds of participants submitted video applications to compete in the week’s annual pitch competition. The DSW planning committee narrowed this down to 18 businesses, then the community voted on the top 6 businesses to pitch at the final event.  Thus, …

Investment Cafe tablet and products

Sponsor Spotlight: Cambiar Investors is Passionate About Creating Opportunities for Kids

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

Denver-based asset management firm, Cambiar Investors, has partnered with Young Americans Center for Financial Education for 15 years. They believe in investing with the courage of their convictions, thinking deeply and differently to find the best ideas for their clients. Young Americans does the same with the students that attend our programs. Looking to provide the absolute best paths to …

Meet a Mentor: Mark Cordova, President, Centennial Bolt, Inc.

Patricia WellsGeneral, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

The second of our three distinguished mentors hosting a youth entrepreneur in the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition is Mark Cordova, President of Centennial Bolt, Inc. In 1979, after graduating from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Administration, Mark moved to Denver and founded Centennial Bolt, Inc. - a fastener distribution business which grew to become one ...

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 …