Why Young AmeriTowne?

Learn why Young AmeriTowne is used in more than 290 schools across Colorado each year to teach banking, business and economics in a fun and hands-on way.

How Does Young AmeriTowne Work?

Enrolled teachers use our curriculum and comprehensive materials to teach classroom lessons and activities that introduce concepts such as supply and demand, job skills and work habits, banking procedures, democratic processes, civic consciousness, and career readiness.  These lessons prepare students for the culminating experience, a day in Young AmeriTowne, where students-turned-citizens apply the concepts they’ve learned and work in a business team to profitably and justly operate a simulated town while giving back to charities.

The WOW life-like simulation is an incredible learning experience for all students.  It teaches important money management and economic concepts as well as valuable life skills. Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind educational opportunity and sign your class up today!

Why Sign Up for Young AmeriTowne?

– Meets school district standards and benchmarks:  Many of Young AmeriTowne’s lessons support standards in economics, English language arts, math, and civics. The program also promotes career exploration.

– Fosters learning and self-esteem:  Young AmeriTowne gives all students important and meaningful roles and doesn’t place limitations on them. This environment motivates students to learn and helps build self esteem.

– Applicable to all learner types without regard to student demographics:  Young AmeriTowne effectively engages all types of student populations, including gifted & talented, ELA, ELS, special needs and at-risk. The program has proven successful for all types of schools, including public, private, parochial, alternative and home.

There are three, permanent Colorado locations and two rotating On the Road versions.

Denver: 3550 E. 1st Ave. Denver, CO 80206

Lakewood: 401 S. Pierce St. Lakewood, CO 80226

Wray: 32415 Highway 34 Wray, Colorado 80758

What are the Expected Outcomes?

Young American’s goal is to develop the financial literacy of young people through real-life experiences and hands-on programs purposefully designed to enable them to prosper in our free-enterprise system.

Short-Term. Our expected short-term outcomes from this program include:

• Teachers use active learning to enrich academic progress (Goal 75%+ teacher evaluations rate curriculum useful or better in classroom)
• Students understand basic concepts of personal finance, economics, and business management. (Goal: 70% of students score 70%+ on post-test).
• Students demonstrate a) teamwork in running their shops b) understanding of supply and demand, raising and lowering prices appropriately c) understand the importance of a strong work ethic (student survey).
• Students are engaged, as demonstrated by student and parent volunteer surveys.
• Students keep an accurate personal checking account register and can balance business receipts and expenses to a business bank statement (teacher rubric).

Long-Term. Our anticipated long-term outcomes from the program include:

• Students make sounder financial decisions for themselves and their families with a foundational understanding of money management and economics.
• Students are better workplace contributors having gained important soft skills such as teamwork, group problem-solving and face-to-face interactions.
• Students choose more appropriate educational paths with a solid understanding of the wide range of careers available to them and the skills and knowledge required to succeed in these careers.

Colorado gains more home-grown future business leaders and employees with the skills to harness the power of free enterprise for their own prosperity and for the prosperity of their communities

For additional information, please call 303-321-2265. To see videos of Young AmerTowne in action, visit our YouTube channel.

Young AmeriTowne is also offered direct to youth as a week-long summer camp. For more information, visit Summer Programs and Camps.