Empowering students through financial literacy: The I Am Financial Knowledge program
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At Youthentity, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to build a financially stable and successful future. Our I Am Financial Knowledge (IAFK) program is designed to equip young people across Colorado with real-world financial skills, helping them make informed decisions about money management, budgeting, savings, and more. While we innovate locally, our financial literacy program addresses national needs, ensuring students have the tools to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
Why financial education matters
Financial education is critical in creating a more prosperous and equitable society. Too many young adults enter the workforce unprepared for the realities of managing their finances. By introducing concepts early, the IAFK program helps students understand the importance of financial responsibility and prepares them for long-term success. Our curriculum teaches critical concepts such as:
- Budgeting and paychecks
- Income and taxes
- Banking and credit
- Saving and investing
- Spending and sharing
- Risk management and insurance
- Education and career options
- Financial responsibility and decision-making
We are super proud to share our IAFK program, which serves 6,000 students across Colorado and offers free, hands-on lessons designed for fifth and eighth graders. The Level I program introduces fifth-grade students to essential financial concepts like making money, interest, and credit. Level II builds upon these principles, incorporating topics such as income taxes, insurance, and understanding paychecks.
Real rewards for real learning
To reinforce financial concepts, Youthentity offers students the opportunity to earn real-world financial rewards. Each student who completes the program takes a final test, where they earn 50 cents per correct answer, up to $15. This initiative encourages students to apply what they’ve learned while introducing them to the fundamentals of banking.
The IAFK program in action
Each session is interactive, engaging, and designed to make learning fun. Our trained facilitators visit classrooms, bringing real-world financial scenarios to life. The curriculum is structured to provide four-hour workshops, ensuring students receive a comprehensive financial education in an easily digestible format. For schools that prefer a virtual learning option, we offer an adaptable online version that allows students to participate in financial literacy education remotely while still engaging in an interactive and meaningful way. Teachers can schedule virtual sessions that fit their curriculum needs, ensuring all students can access valuable financial education regardless of location.
Supporting teachers and schools
Teacher participation in the IAFK program is seamless. Our program managers collaborate with educators to schedule optimal workshop times, whether in-person or for the virtual experience taught by the classroom teacher. We provide all necessary materials, including teacher guides, student workbooks, Kahoot! games, supplemental slides, and assessments. To further support educators, we offer four professional development hours credits, plus payment for participation.
Making a lasting impact
The IAFK program is more than just financial education — it’s an investment in the future. By empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to manage their money wisely, we are helping to create a financially literate generation prepared for success. Our goal is to make Colorado the most financially literate and career-ready region in the country!
Join us in shaping the future
We are always excited to participate in financial literacy events and engage with students as they tackle real-world financial challenges. If you’re interested in bringing, I Am Financial Knowledge to your school or learning more about how you can support financial literacy education, please reach out to IAFK Program Director Samantha Freese, [email protected]. Together, we can build a brighter, financially secure future for our youth!
Youthentity, located in Carbondale, serves high school students in the Roaring Fork Valley through Career Academies, including animal care, construction, culinary/hospitality, health occupations, along with our career expo. Middle school students across the state benefit from financial literacy classes. Youthentity prepares youth for successful futures through financial education and career readiness. Learn more at: youthentity.org.
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