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YOUNG AMERICANS CENTER FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION RECEIVES A THREE-YEAR $45,000 SPONSORSHIP FROM COLORADO GARDEN FOUNDATION
Funds to support Young AmeriTowne locations in Denver and Belmar
DENVER (Oct. 19, 2015) – Young Americans Center for Financial Education today announced it received a three-year $45,000 sponsorship from Colorado Garden Foundation (CGF) to support its Young AmeriTowne’s program about business, economics and free enterprise in a fun and hands-on way. The grant will support the “parks and recreation director” position for 25,000+ 4th and
5th grade students.
Young AmeriTowne has received countless accolades for its engaging format and its applicability across all types of student and school demographics. More than 235 schools across Colorado participate in Young AmeriTowne each year. Lessons prepare students for the culminating experience, a day in Young AmeriTowne, where students-turned-citizens apply concepts they’ve learned by working together to operate a 17-business town.
“We are grateful for the Colorado Garden Foundation’s partnership, which will allow thousands of students to experience our unique program and learn valuable lessons that will enable them to be responsible, successful citizens,” said Young Americans Center President and CEO, Richard Martinez. “The sponsorship fully funds the participation of students in the role of ‘parks and recreation director’ and also includes the planters, plants and supplies to enhance the students’ experience.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to support Young Americans Center for Financial Education’s Young AmeriTowne program. We hope the three-year sponsorship helps them reach their program curriculum goals for 4th and 5th graders,” said Jim Fricke, Colorado Garden Foundation executive director. “This life-like simulation is an incredible learning experience for students and we hope they come away with an appreciation for how horticulture-related industries impact our community.”
In 2015, CGF awarded $470,243, including matching grants of $36,100 provided by Bellco to 59 Colorado organizations for horticulture-related grants. Since the 1970s, CGF has awarded more than $6.8 million to more than 250 organizations in Colorado from proceeds generated from the annual Colorado Garden & Home Show and annual Colorado Fall Home Show.
About Young Americans Center for Financial Education
Young Americans Center for Financial Education is a nonprofit organization committed to developing the financial literacy of young people, up to age 22, through real life experiences and hands-on programs.
Young Americans fulfills its mission by offering programs that complement and reinforce each other to build life skills, work skills and financial self-sufficiency. These include Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, YouthBiz/Young Entrepreneurs, Money Matters classes, summer camps and more. In addition, Young Americans Center houses the only real bank in the world designed for young people, Young Americans Bank, which shares the same educational mission of teaching children to be financially responsible. Since 1987, more than 600,000 youth have participated in the programs or bank. For more information on the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, visit www.yacenter.org.
About Young AmeriTowne
Young AmeriTowne is an award-winning educational program offered to 4th and 5th grade teachers to help teach students about business, economics and free enterprise in a fun and hands-on way. Young AmeriTowne has received countless accolades for its engaging format and its applicability across all types of student and school demographics. More than 235 schools across Colorado participate in Young AmeriTowne each year. Learn more at YACenter.org.
About Colorado Garden Foundation
Colorado Garden Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), provides funds for horticultural-related grants and scholarships for the benefit of Colorado. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $6.8 million for horticultural projects and scholarships throughout the state. Colorado Garden Foundation presents the Colorado Fall Home Show focusing on home renovation, remodeling and sustainable living and the Colorado Garden & Home Show, the Rocky Mountain region’s largest, oldest and most prestigious consumer garden and home improvement show west of the Mississippi in February. For more information, visit ColoradoGardenFoundation.org, facebook.com/coloradogardenfoundation or Twitter @cogardenfdn
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