Someday – ready or not – young people will have to manage their own finances. They will be faced with paying for housing, food and transportation, as well as saving for the future. But first, thanks to financial and volunteer support from Club 31, 18,500 middle and high school students in metro Denver had the opportunity to take on these responsibilities without suffering devastating consequences by participating in JA Finance Park during the 2018/19 school year.
In addition to teaching students how to create a budget, use financial services and save for the future, this economic reality check improves student attitudes toward work and education at a crucial time in their development. In fact, JA Finance Park has proven to be so effective, the program has been recognized through Harvard University’s Global Education Innovation Initiative for excellence in teaching financial literacy.
The following Rotarians volunteered at JA Finance Park in April and May. They each coached a group of 10 – 12 students through the simulation, while integrating their real-world financial experience, the good, the bad and the ugly, to help students understand how important it is to be financially responsible.
- Julie Freshman
- Wynn Gandera
- Rick Bowmen
- Melissa Bowen
- Debbie Beasley
- Colleen Cozad
- Jim Goddard
Additionally, Jim Goddard brought his team from Senior Options out to volunteer at the Park!
In addition to volunteer support, the $3,000 grant JA received from the Denver Rotary Club Foundation this year, helped JA provide JA Finance Park to students at no cost. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and to those who contribute to the Denver Rotary Club Foundation. You’re making a long-term investment in our children!
If you’re interested, please take a moment to watch the video below to hear how one young man’s life was changed thanks to JA Finance Park and our volunteers!