From the President and CEO
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 April is Financial Literacy Month. But, for us, financial education is a crucial, year-round commitment.
Studies have consistently shown that teaching financial skills to young people prior to them entering college or the workforce is critical to help them maintain financial stability as adults. While many factors can lead to financial instability, a lack of emphasis on financial education and literacy has undoubtedly contributed to the monetary concerns of adults in the U.S.
The 2022 P-Fin Index (an annual personal finance index developed by the TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center) shows that more U.S. adults have a very low level of financial literacy than in any year since 2017, the first year of the P-Fin Index.
On average, U.S. adults correctly answered only 50% of the index questions in 2022. Financial literacy tends to be low within each of the five generations comprising the U.S. adult population, but particularly so among those in early adulthood. According to the study, the financial literacy gap is notably lower among Gen Z compared to other generations — Gen X, Gen Y, and baby boomers.
That is why it is so critical to start introducing financial concepts to children at an early age. Did you know that financial attitudes, habits, and norms develop the most during the ages of 6-12?
That’s where we come in. With a focus on hands-on, real-life learning, we prepare youth across the state to manage their finances, to make a budget and to plan for savings and investing through our Young AmeriTowne program. Middle school students learn about global economics in International Towne. And kids of all ages learn the basics of starting a business with our YouthBiz programs and workshops. We also offer FREE online Money Matters classes, group tours, and school presentations through Young Americans Bank.
At Young Americans Center we are committed to providing high-quality financial literacy education because we care about the financial well-being of individuals and families in our community.
I encourage you to check out our program offerings to see how we can help you and your family successfully navigate your own financial journey.
Sincerely,
Rich Martinez
President and CEO
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It's that time again!
Please join us at our Cherry Creek location on Saturday, April 23rd for the YouthBiz Spring Marketplace and support 50+ local young business owners who will be selling an impressive selection of hand-crafted products. You'll find beaded jewelry, greeting cards, bath products, home baked goodies, artwork, and more!
The Marketplace will be open to the public from 10am - 2pm at 3550 East 1st Avenue. Admission is free.
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Youth Advisory Board:
Natalie Rusin, William Johnson and Ben Katanic
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 As the 2021-2022 Youth Board finishes up their term of service, we'd like to introduce the final three board members who enthusiastically served this year.
Natalie Rusin is a junior at Denver South High School where she founded the Engineering and Architecture Club which has a high percentage of female members. She also competes on her school's Speech and Debate Team and earned an honors award for an original speech about the positive effects of individuality. Natalie is an avid reader and artist, and volunteers with the Metro Caring Food Bank.
William Johnson is graduating from Prospect Ridge Academy High School this Spring. He is the Founder and President of the Prospect Ridge Business Club and a member of student council. As Deputy Secretary General of Model United Nations Club (an educational club that empowers students to solve global problems), William has enjoyed the opportunity to explore his passion for International Business at a young age.
Ben Katanic is finishing his sophomore year at Valor Christian High School where he is a member of the Student Leadership Board and Mock Trial Team. He also plays JV Tennis and participates in DECA. As a member of the Colorado Senate District Youth Advisory Council, he has enjoyed talking to state representatives about healthcare. Beyond his involvement in school and extracurricular activities, Ben somehow finds the time to run a popular YouTube Channel.
You can read more about Natalie, William, and Ben here.
A very special thank you to Natalie, William, Ben, and all of the outstanding students who served on the 2021-2022 Youth Advisory Board!
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Applications for the 2022-2023 Youth Board are open and we encourage any rising 8th-12th grade students in the Front Range area to apply. No experience is necessary. The application deadline is May 12, 2022. If you have any questions about the application process, contact staff liaison Patricia Wells.
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BUILD A BUSINESS, RULE THE WORLD,
BE MONEY SMART!
Facilitated by our expert program staff, these dynamic week-long camps for 3rd-8th graders feature interactive activities, hands-on application of instruction as well as outdoor time on our beautiful program deck. Camps are $250 per child per week.
Camps include: Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, and YouthBiz.
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Sponsor Spotlight:
Alpine Bank brings Young AmeriTowne to the Western Slope
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After a 2 year hiatus, Young AmeriTowne On the Road returns to Grand Junction this month bringing financial literacy education to eager 4th and 5th graders.
AmeriTowne On the Road, presented locally by Alpine Bank, mirrors the Denver-based program, but it caters to smaller classes in remote communities. AmeriTowne On the Road will serve 800+ students from School District 51 at Museum of the West from April 7 – May 6.
With support from business partners like Alpine Bank, we look forward to making Young AmeriTowne On the Road available to even more students all across Colorado.
Read more our important partnership with Alpine Bank.
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Where Are They Now?
2021 YouthBiz Stars Winners
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We recently caught up with the winners of the 2021 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition.
In the 5 short months since winning top honors at the annual awards gala, these impressive business owners, with guidance from their business mentors, have continued to grow and refine their businesses. Learn what Tuff, Hannah, and Andrew have been up to.
If you or someone you know is a young business owner between the ages of 6-21, we encourage them to apply for the 2022 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars. Information about the application process can be found here.
All applicants receive personalized business feedback from our distinguished panel of judges from the local business community. Two finalists and one winner will be awarded for each age category, with a total of $10,000 in prize money and the chance to be paired with a leading business mentor.
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Be sure to follow our social media channels during Financial Literacy Month to find daily financial education activities for kids of all ages!
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