Take charge of your future.
You can learn a lot about banking, business, economics, and government in the classroom. But what if that financial knowledge was put the test in a real community setting? Welcome to the free enterprise system – welcome to Young AmeriTowne®.
Welcome to Young AmeriTowne, USA.
Here’s a quick cram course on what you can expect.
Simulated town, real world learning.
Student learning starts in the classroom then culminates in a day where they become citizens of Young AmeriTowne. This gives youth real hands-on experience in free enterprise as they run different businesses, lead in government, and manage their finances like adults. It’s a blast, and meets school district standards and benchmarks.
Curriculum that goes beyond the classroom.
Young AmeriTowne involves a 6-8 week curriculum taught in the classroom. Students will grasp basic financial concepts such as banking, money management, civics, and career development. What they learn in the classroom prepares them to put their skills to the test in our simulated town.
Learning by doing.
In Young AmeriTowne, students learn by engaging in hands-on, fun life scenarios such as earning paychecks, depositing money, making purchases, and managing budgets. And the real bonus: the financial smarts they leave with never leaves them.
Teaching students to take charge.
The Young AmeriTowne program helps students develop essential skills that includes financial literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Ultimately, they learn what it takes to become the take charge citizen of tomorrow.
Financial education for the take charge generation.
Explore the shops at Young AmeriTowne®.
Contact us today to learn how your can sponsor a shop and have your business be front and center for all of AmeriTowne® to see!
Which Young AmeriTowne® program is right for you?
Young AmeriTowne in Denver and Belmar:
Young AmeriTowne began in 1990 and remains a highlight for Colorado 4th-6th graders today! Two nearly identical facilities in Denver and Belmar serve school groups of 65-120.
Young AmeriTowne “On the Road”:
This mobile version of AmeriTowne is perfect for smaller schools (groups of 25-65). It serves schools outside of Denver and even in other states across America.
Rural AmeriTowne:
Located in Wray, Colorado, Rural Young AmeriTowne reaches elementary and middle school students in eastern Colorado and Kansas. Rural AmeriTowne accommodates school groups of 40-80.
Out-of-state licensees:
Young Americans licenses the Young AmeriTowne programs to partners in both Kansas and Wyoming. And we’re always looking to expand. Maybe your school can be next.
Have questions? Contact us for help in choosing the perfect program for your students.
Towne Payment
Towne Payment Information
Each school participating in Towne programs is asked to pay a per student fee. The fee includes curriculum, classroom materials, Teacher Orientations and supplies necessary to operate Young AmeriTowne or International Towne. If scholarships or non-traditional payment arrangements are needed, they can be made prior to receiving your program materials by contacting Programs Registration, 303-321-2265.
Towne Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of $250.00 is due with the signed contract and will be applied to the final invoice. If other payment arrangements are required, they must be made prior to receiving classroom materials. If scholarship or sponsorship covers the full amount of your school’s participation, a refund will be issued after your school attends Towne.
Towne Payment
A fee is charged for each student AFTER participating in the Towne programs. Fees vary, depending on the program, and are due and payable within thirty (30) days after your Towne date. After attending Towne, your school will be billed based on actual student participation. The student fee includes curriculum, classroom materials (student workbooks, check sheets, debit cards, accountant materials, and shop folders), a teacher orientation, and supplies necessary to operate the shops in Towne.
Rural Young AmeriTowne in Wray Payment
If you are attending Rural AmeriTowne (in Wray, CO), please contact 970-332-3150 to make payments. Online payments for Rural AmeriTowne are not accepted at this time.
Start preparing your students for the day when they will take charge of Young AmeriTowne.
Teacher Orientation
Register your class for Young AmeriTowne®.
Registration Interest Form
Learn how you can support Young Americans.
Get involved
The free enterprise system is the 8th wonder of the world. Teaching young people to be active participants is our responsibility for its preservation.
”Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to teach the curriculum?
The Young AmeriTowne curriculum is comprised of 25 lessons and 37 activities. Total instructional time is about 2 to 6 weeks. Due to time constraints, we have divided the curriculum into two Tiers. Tier one includes all 25 lessons and 37 activities and tier 2 includes 21 Lessons and 18 Activities. This curriculum is not meant to be restrictive to any one tier, we encourage you to pick and choose activities based on your students needs. Pay special attention to the highlighted action items in the curriculum planning table, which are essential in preparing your students for their day in Towne.
How much does it cost to attend and are there scholarships?
Billing is based on economy size. The pricing structure is listed on your contract. Economy size CAN NOT be lowered once materials are picked up, however, economy size CAN increase once materials are picked up. If you have less than 65 students, we suggest you schedule a date to attend Young AmeriTowne 10 shops = YAT 10, instead of YAT 17.
Who to contact for curriculum questions?
- Mary Tallerday Smith, Director, YAT-Belmar, 303-320-3259 or mtallerdaysmith@yacenter.org
- Serena Whitaker, Director, YAT-Cherry Creek, 303-320-3247 or swhitaker@yacenter.org
- Olivia Larry, Director, YAT-10, 303-320-3208 or olarry@yacenter.org
