When AmeriTowne On the Road travelled to Pueblo last month, I couldn't miss it. I grew up in Pueblo, and the opportunity to bring hands-on financial education programs to my hometown is a dream come true.
As a child, I remember accompanying my dad on payday as we walked around town to pay off his bills--the water company, public utilities, and more. At the time, I didn't think anything of it. But now, I realize the difference a Young AmeriTowne lesson could have made for my brother and me. We would have learned about the importance of keeping money safe in a bank and about why you need to save at such a young age.
Fortunately for me, I went to college. I studied finance. And, I ended up having a career in banking, learning Money Smarts along the way. The youth who participated in On the Road this year may not be veterans of the banking industry just yet, but these 10-year-olds gained a valuable lesson putting help them on the path to financial self-sufficiency long before adulthood.
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Summer Camp registration is now open! Youth who are entering third through eighth grade in fall, 2020 can participate in week-long day camps, including Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, YouthBiz, and more. Cost is $250 per camper per week, and financial aid is available.
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AmeriTowne On the Road Visits Pueblo
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Desert Sage Elementary, a Pueblo District #70 school located in Pueblo West, Colorado, has participated in AmeriTowne On the Road every year since its inaugural visit to the region in 2014. Six years later, fifth grade teacher Erin Marez continues to see the value for her students. “This program teaches skills for the real world, particularly the application of math,” said Marez during her classroom’s visit.
Read about the impact of this program on our blog.
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In 2019, Colorado returned more than $1 billion in refunds to 1.9 million state taxpayers. Imagine if all state taxpayers chose to donate just a portion of their refunds; this outpouring of support would re-energize local community causes across Colorado and make a massive positive impact on our state!
Provide Money Smarts to a generation of Colorado youth by choosing Young Americans Center for Financial Education Fund on LINE 18 of your Voluntary Contributions Schedule. Find simple instructions here!
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As with any good habit, starting early in life and keeping up with said habit can help one become more successful. As it is the start of a new year and a time for new beginnings, why not have your students start out the new-year right with learning about a new, healthy habit?
Our Programs Team shares a few tips and tricks they compiled to help your student out on a new savings journey. Read them here!
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Reach Your Business Goals with a Mentor
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In just six months, Natalie, age 13, went from having an idea to owning a business. But, Natalie wasn’t sure about how reach her goals: growing her business even more and making $500 in profit. That’s when she turned to the YouthBiz Mentor Program, which paired Natalie with Cory Johnson, Operations Manager at Zenith Painting and Coatings in Centennial.
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Learn more about Natalie and her mentor and apply for a YouthBiz mentor today!
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Apply for a Financial Innovation Award
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Students, teachers, and schools can all apply for a MoneyWi$er Financial Innovation Award, presented by the Office of the Colorado Attorney General in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education. In addition to statewide recognition for the awards, honorees will be awarded funds to continue elevating personal finance education in Colorado and their communities.
Learn more and apply!
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Monthly Entrepreneur:
Annabel Feeny, Owner of The Wool and The Wearer
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After crocheting a blanket for her cousin, 11-year-old Annabel Feeny decided that she could turn her hobby into a business that creates wearable and warm products for all ages! A week-long summer camp at Young Americans Center helped her get started, and she sold her first products at a school market last fall.
Learn more about Annabel on our blog and watch her segment on Colorado & Company!
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Meet a Board Member:
Debbie Meyers, Bank Strategies, LLC
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Young Americans Bank welcomes a new Board Chair this year! Debbie Meyers, long-time Board Member of the Young Americans Bank Board of Directors and Senior Consultant at Bank Strategies, LLC, has both extensive experience and a passion for the banking industry.
Learn more about Meyers on our blog.
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Sponsor Spotlight:
AAA Colorado - Travel Tips from the Exports
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