In a world where money moves faster than ever, tap to pay, buy now pay later, and endless online shopping, financial mistakes can happen in seconds. At the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, young people do not just learn about money. They learn how to lead it.

Each year, more than 67,000 youth experience hands-on financial education programs designed to build confidence, spark entrepreneurship, and teach real-world decision-making. As Trevor Mayo, Senior Director of Innovation & Growth, puts it: 

“Our goal is to develop the financial literacy of young people through real-life experiences. We want kids to Take Charge of their future by understanding how they earn, manage, and grow their money.”

Founded in 1987, the Center was built on a bold idea. Give kids real responsibility, real tools, and real consequences in a safe learning environment, and they will rise to the challenge.

The Center’s programs go far beyond textbooks. Students step into immersive, interactive environments that bring economics and entrepreneurship to life.

Through the YouthBiz program, students transform ideas into action. In a Shark Tank style classroom experience, teams create products, develop business plans, pitch their ideas, and compete for startup funding. Students also participate in business workshops and twice-yearly YouthBiz Marketplaces, where young entrepreneurs sell their products to real customers.

They do not just talk about profit and loss. They experience it.

Designed for 4th and 5th graders, Young AmeriTowne begins with several weeks of classroom preparation before students step into a fully simulated town. On Towne Day, they serve as mayors, bankers, judges, police officers, accountants, and business owners.

They earn paychecks, write checks, manage budgets, and quickly learn what happens if they overdraw a bank account. It is economics in action, and the lessons stay with them.

Middle school students take things international in International Towne. Representing countries from around the world, students manage imports, exports, currency exchange, and trade negotiations.

They discover firsthand how interconnected economies are and how leadership, collaboration, and smart financial decisions impact the global marketplace.

At the heart of the Center’s mission is the groundbreaking Young Americans Bank, the only FDIC insured bank in the world exclusively serving youth ages 0 to 21.

This is not a pretend bank. It is a full-service teaching bank where young people open savings and checking accounts, apply for loans and credit cards, and learn banking terminology from real professionals.

Trevor explains: “We make sure young people understand what they are signing, what financial terms mean, and how to manage their day-to-day finances. We are building financially capable adults before they turn 22.”

When account holders age out, they leave not just with a bank history but with financial confidence.

With locations in Denver’s Cherry Creek and Lakewood’s Belmar neighborhoods, the Bank continues to serve as a national model for youth financial empowerment.

One of the organization’s most powerful assets is its Youth Advisory Board. Rather than designing programs solely from an adult perspective, Young Americans invites youth into leadership conversations.

“We do not want just adults making decisions for youth,” Trevor shares. “The Youth Advisory Board is essential. They help us stay relevant and ensure we are creating experiences that truly resonate.”

This commitment to listening and evolving keeps the mission dynamic and future focused.

For Trevor, a former educator, the mission is personal. “Young Americans allows us to combine education and financial literacy in a way that truly shapes the future. When students leave our programs, they do not just understand finances. They understand opportunity.”

In a time when financial literacy is more important than ever, the Young Americans Center for Financial Education and Young Americans Bank continue to equip young people with the tools, mindset, and confidence to truly Take Charge.

Young Americans Center / Young Americans Bank
Cherry Creek Branch
3550 East First Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80206
P: 303-321-2265

Belmar Branch
401 South Pierce Street
Lakewood, Colorado 80226
P: 303-321-2265

Visit: yacenter.org