Two students stand together at the Young AmeriTowne Bank

Sponsor Spotlight: Children learn-by-doing thanks to the Madge M. and Joseph T. Mohar Charitable Foundation

Janet Redwine Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Young AmeriTowne is exciting and memorable for adults and kids alike.  That’s how a partnership began between Young Americans Center for Financial Education and Madge M. and Joseph T. Mohar Charitable Foundation, which has supported hands-on financial education for the last decade. Mr. and Mrs. Mohar both had a strong work ethic and they valued financial education.  The couple worked …

University of Denver College Hat on Stand in front of Young AmeriTowne College

Sponsor Spotlight: DU helps answer, “What should I be when I grow up?”

Janet Redwine Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

An important aspect of the Young AmeriTowne program is providing career exploration opportunities for elementary students.  Thanks to the University of Denver, fourth and fifth grade students can do this for free in the AmeriTowne College shop! Connor*, age 10, was a Career Counselor at the Young AmeriTowne College when Willow Creek Elementary ran the Towne this past spring.  His …

Summer Camp Bank Deposit

Looking for 37 Donor Friends!

Young Americans Center for Financial Education Classes + Camps, General, Get Involved Leave a Comment

If you were 10 years old, and your family had no money for “extras,” what would be the best news ever? How about a scholarship to the summer camp of your dreams! For 37 deserving students, the answer is “Yes! There’s a place for you at Jr. Money Matters, Girls Can, International Towne, …” In fact, every camp, from the brand ...
AmeriTowne On the Road Photo

Changing Lives: Alpine Bank brings AmeriTowne to Durango and Beyond

Janet Redwine Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

What’s even more exciting than the last day of school?  A visit to Young AmeriTowne! During the last few weeks of their school year, 355 Durango-area students from eight different elementary schools experienced an exciting day in Young AmeriTowne.  Local presenting sponsor Alpine Bank made this experience possible for a fourth straight year. Through this portable version of Young AmeriTowne, …

YouthBiz Startup Prototype made out of cardboard

Grant Beacon Middle School Students Solve Problems in YouthBiz StartUp

Janet Redwine YouthBiz Leave a Comment

“An entrepreneur is someone who builds something to make the world a better place.” –Jesalee, sixth grader at Grant Beacon Middle School, YouthBiz StartUp Participant On Tuesday, May 21, young entrepreneurs from Grant Beacon Middle School pitched their world-changing business ideas to wrap up their fourth quarter YouthBiz StartUp class.  Business pitches proved that these 13 sixth, seventh, and eighth …

Lawn Mowing Photo

Make Some Money This Summer!

Anna Leer General, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

If you’re hoping to save, not just spend money this summer break, you’re in luck!  There are so many ways to be a young business owner.  This week, YouthBiz and Young Americans Center for Financial Education bring you our top ideas for starting a summer business. Neighborhood Game Night – Organize games for neighborhood kids to come over and play…for a small …

Colorado Public Radio T-Shirts on Table

Sponsor Spotlight: The AmeriTowne Radio Station delivers real-world skills, thanks to Colorado Public Radio

Janet Redwine Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

One goal of the Young AmeriTowne program is to help students prepare to be successful adults.  At AmeriTowne in Denver, students learn what holding a job is like in the Colorado Public Radio Station.  And they have a blast in the process! The job application process is one example.  By applying and interviewing for an AmeriTowne job, students gain real-world …

Lansing Elementary students in AmeriTowne

AmeriTowne On the Road wraps up third year in Aurora

Janet Redwine Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

Young AmeriTowne staff members literally “set up shop” in Aurora during the month of April, marking three years of presence in the Aurora community.  This year a total of 537 students participated in AmeriTowne On the Road, presented by CoBank, representing schools throughout the district. The Aurora location made the program accessible for all types of learners.  Principal Jennifer Murtha …

Colorado Container Corporation Sign: students inside the store making briefcases

Sponsor Spotlight: Lessons Made Possible by Colorado Container Corporation

Janet Redwine Get Involved, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

Complex economic concepts come to life in Young AmeriTowne, and the Containers Shop is no exception. Thanks to support from Colorado Container Corporation, students can experience, not just learn about, supply and demand. On a recent Wednesday, Container Shop Manager Daniel* had a huge smile on his face.  Daniel, age 10, had just increased the prices of his products because the …

What’s better than a trip to Young AmeriTowne?  A trip that includes a special visit from the top elected official in Colorado: Governor Jared Polis!

Fifth grade students from Cherry Drive Elementary were thrilled to host Governor Polis in Young AmeriTowne on April 23 to celebrate Financial Literacy Month.  Governor Polis joined Department of Regulatory Agencies (or DORA) Executive Director Patty Salazar and Young Americans Center for Financial Education President and CEO Rich Martinez in welcoming the students to Towne.

 
GOVERNOR JARED POLIS SWEARS IN THE AMERITOWNE MAYOR, JUDGE, AND POLICE FORCE.

Prior to the Towne’s Opening Ceremonies, Ms. Salazar and Governor Polis challenged the students to practice financial responsibility.  During their day to run Young AmeriTowne, students receive their own paycheck in so they can budget their money and record purchases in their checkbook register. “These are the kinds of lessons you’ll need to know someday,” said Governor Polis.

The teachers and principal from Cherry Drive Elementary, which has participated in AmeriTowne for more than a decade, whole-heartedly agreed.  “This program brings standards to life,” remarked Principal Tina Hepp.  Nodding, Teacher Kim Carreon agreed.  “The kids learn a ton, and they love it,” she said.  Teacher Nicole Lecumberry added, “What I appreciate is the level of engagement from the students.  Whenever I say that we’re working on AmeriTowne, the kids can’t wait to get out their workbooks.”

 
DORA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PATTY SALAZAR ASKS STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR TOWNE LAWS.

Across Towne at the Snack Shop, 10-year-old Mckenzie sipped lemonade with a huge smile on her face.  “I feel happy because we have an opportunity to come here and not just sit at school.  Plus, we got to meet someone that not many people get to meet,” she said, referring to Governor Polis.

Learning Comes to Life in Young AmeriTowne

Janet Redwine Events, General, Young AmeriTowne Leave a Comment

What’s better than a trip to Young AmeriTowne?  A trip that includes a special visit from the top elected official in Colorado: Governor Jared Polis! Fifth grade students from Cherry Drive Elementary were thrilled to host Governor Polis in Young AmeriTowne on April 23 to celebrate Financial Literacy Month.  Governor Polis joined Department of Regulatory Agencies (or DORA) Executive Director …