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Young AmeriTowne:

Unique Program Brings Economic Lessons to Life

Young AmeriTowne is an award-winning educational program for teachers to help their 5th and 6th grade students learn about business, economics and free enterprise in a fun and hands-on way. Teachers use a special curriculum to teach concepts such as supply and demand, job skills, banking procedures, the democratic process, civic consciousness, and career awareness. These lessons prepare students for the culminating experience, a day in “Young AmeriTowne,” where they apply concepts they've learned by working together to operate a 17-business life-like town.

Jessie, a ten-year old girl, wrote a special thank you about her experience in the program:

“Young AmeriTowne was a great way to get a feel for what it would be like to work at a job.

One of my favorite parts about Young AmeriTowne was getting taken to the Medical Center. It was fun because they had real equipment so it made me feel like I was really at the doctor’s office.

I also liked giving to the philanthropies because one fake dollar gives real money to great foundations that help people. Also, I loved shopping on my breaks and supporting different businesses and finding ways to budget my time carefully.

I learned how to write checks, how to invest in mutual funds, and how to record checks into my register. I also learned how to take care of and run a business. I will remember this experience for my whole life.”

To learn more, visit www.yacenter.org, and select Young AmeriTowne.

To help students learn the importance of philanthropy for a healthy community, Community First Foundation currently supports a philanthropy curriculum for the Young AmeriTowne program offered by Young Americans Center for Financial Education. Lessons include a “Donation Station” where students can donate AmeriTowne dollars to real local charities that is matched by the Foundation with real matching grants.

Since 2001, Community First Foundation has granted more than $135,000 to the Young Americans Center for Financial Education.