Opinion: Set up the next generation for success with financial literacy education
Do you know the power of financial literacy? With Financial Literacy we can change generational poverty, strengthen families, increase innovation, and make our communities more safe.
Last month I shared the stage with fellow former Bronco and Super Bowl champion, Rod Smith. We went far beyond talking about the new football season or the Broncos’ new quarterback and our favorite memories as players. We are on a bigger team now, one to promote financial literacy in our communities.
We had an incredible conversation around the need for financial literacy and economic education, the individual lessons we’ve learned about making smart money decisions, finding coaches (off the field) to mentor us, and what we hope for future generations.
(Opinion) Dave Young & Debbie Pierce: Offer financial literacy to all students to set them on a path for success
As we wrapped up another tax season, many of us probably asked the same question we ask ourselves every year: “Why didn’t I learn this in school?”
School is meant to prepare students to succeed and meet their potential both personally and professionally, and yet personal financial education, a life skill which will help young people make responsible decisions in adulthood, is not prioritized in our schools.
Bellco Credit Union and Economic Literacy Colorado Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with New "FUNancial $marts" Educational Book for Middle Grade Students
Economic Literacy Colorado (EconLitCO) and Bellco Credit Union are celebrating Financial Literacy Month by launching a new "FUNancial $marts" educational activity book for students in grades 6-8 that teaches them the basics of managing money. The booklet is being distributed through Bellco branches, as well as through additional community partnerships.
Longtime Estes Park Middle School Teacher Receives Economic Literacy Colorado’s 2022 Koelbel Enterprising Teacher of the Year Award
Economic Literacy Colorado announced today that Estes Park Middle School teacher Jeff Arnold has been named the 2022 Koelbel Enterprising Teacher of the Year. This 35th annual recognition, awarded during National Financial Literacy Month, recognizes exemplary teaching of economic or personal financial education, which provides students with essential skills to use in their personal, professional and civic lives.
Jeff Arnold currently teaches U.S. history to eighth-graders and has been a fixture in the Estes Park community and local school district for more than 30 years. Arnold believes no great teacher is ever finished learning and is an advocate for professional development opportunities for the district’s staff. His commitment to furthering his economic education has allowed him to evolve and create lesson plans on wide-ranging and relevant topics like cryptocurrency, foreign trade and tariffs, inflation and government spending.
Teaching Kids About Money and the Economy
Debbie Pierce of Economic Literacy Colorado joins Mile High Live to chat about providing teachers and students the foundation to financial security by teaching them about money and the economy in the classroom. Her non-profit organization is making a difference by reaching more than 1,300 teachers who educate 73,000 students in 116 school districts across Colorado.
110. Economic Literacy With Ryan Harris
Get your money right- right now! I am so excited for this conversation with Ryan Harris, Super Bowl Champion and Board Member of The Economic Literacy of Colorado (EconLitCo). We discuss money: saving, spending, and lifestyle. All things start with the right mindset and who you surround yourself with- football AND financials. Ryan shares his journey and why is passionate about financial literacy particularly with our youth. He shares his view on gracefully disrupting the current school curriculum and adding financial training to the mix, including educating the educators so the impact and lessons continue to carry on.
YHS teacher receives honor
Economic Literacy Colorado and Bellco Credit Union Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with $50,000 Sponsorship, Robust Programs and Accessible Financial Literacy Resources
Economic Literacy Colorado (ELC) and Bellco Credit Union are celebrating Financial Literacy Month with news of Bellco's $50,000 commitment to sponsoring ELC's professional development programs, Teacher Appreciation Week activities and educational activity books that will advance the conversation around financial literacy and money management. The news comes amid a huge milestone this year as ELC celebrates 50 years of serving as Colorado's champion of economic and personal financial education for teachers and their students.
Financial literacy is crucial for today’s kids
Ever since I was a little girl, my parents instilled in me the importance of making smart financial decisions. They taught me to compare what I was giving up to what I would gain for every choice I made, whether it was relating to finances or not. I moved into adulthood and as I pursued a career in education, I realized it gave me the opportunity to teach economic literacy the way my parents taught me. As a language development teacher, I intentionally incorporate economic literacy into my curriculum almost daily because I believe economic knowledge is a building block to success throughout life.
Economic Literacy is Key to Financial Freedom
Many of the students in my classes do not begin the school year with ambitious dreams about their careers. Instead, there is a degree of uncertainty and insecurity about their future. Once my students gain confidence in finances and economics, they begin to discover their own professional goals and actually believe they can achieve them.
Economic Literacy Colorado and Bellco Credit Union Celebrate National Financial Literacy Month with New Activity Book for Elementary Students
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Apr 29, 2020, 14:31 ET
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April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Financial Literacy Month, Economic Literacy Colorado has partnered with Bellco Credit Union to create an activity book for elementary students so they can further the conversation about financial literacy with their parents and family members.
National Financial Literacy Month is recognized in April to focus on the importance of financial literacy and to teach Americans and children how to establish and maintain healthy budgets. Aligning to the missions of Economic Literacy Colorado and Bellco Credit Union, April was selected for the activity book launch.
"Economic Literacy Colorado is grateful for Bellco Credit Union's partnership and contribution to financial educational tools for students," said Debbie Pierce, president and CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado. "We created this activity book so children could enjoy learning about money at home with the help of a parent or family member. Equipping young people with knowledge to make informed decisions is essential and prepares them to handle financial and economic challenges in their future."
The booklet, titled "FUNancial $marts," is available online, and it will also be distributed through Bellco Credit Union locations and though its community partners in the near future. The book's collaborative lessons of counting money, budgeting, and creating a business are intended to encourage Colorado youth to go down the right path to making educated financial choices. To access the booklet, please visit: https://www.bellco.org/funancialsmarts.
"Bellco is committed to improving the quality of life for our members and community by helping them to secure their financial future. Providing children with financial skills at a young age empowers them to become financially strong in the future," said Jody Soper, vice president of marketing for Bellco Credit Union. "We're proud of the work we've done together with Economic Literacy Colorado on this book, and we hope it helps spur a lifetime of good financial decisions."
To further support teachers and families who are seeking financial literacy tools, Economic Literacy Colorado has compiled a wide variety of resources on their website.
Educators who are teaching remotely will find resources that include webinars, lessons, articles, and recommendations for online engagement systems and presentation tools. For kindergarten to 12th grade students and their parents, Economic Literacy Colorado offers age-appropriate financial literacy program resources to support at-home learning about personal financial responsibility.
About Economic Literacy ColoradoEconomic Literacy Colorado is the only Colorado nonprofit dedicated to economic and personal financial professional development for kindergarten-12th grade teachers. Its goal is for every Colorado student to be financially and economically capable of making informed decisions to set them up for success. Because Colorado students are not required to learn these fundamental life-skills, Economic Literacy Colorado works diligently to educate, engage and incentivize educators to make financial education a priority in their school or district, leveling the playing field for all Colorado students.
For more information about Economic Literacy Colorado, please visit https://econlitco.org/.
About Bellco Credit UnionBellco is one of Colorado's largest financial institutions, with $5 billion in assets and 25 branches in Colorado. Founded in 1936, Bellco offers a full range of financial products and services including mortgages, auto loans and checking accounts. Today, Bellco has more than 341,000 members who benefit from the advantages of a credit union, including lower interest rates on loans, higher yields on savings, and access to thousands of ATMs nationwide. Connect with Bellco on Facebook and Twitter. Bellco is Federally Insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Economic Literacy Colorado recognizes area teacher
Mission Viejo's Charles Kastens named Koelbel Enterprising Teacher of the Year
Posted Monday, March 9, 2020 2:52 pm
Staff report
A teacher from Mission Viejo Elementary School has been named the 2020 Koelbel Enterprising Teacher of the Year.
Charles Kastens will receive his award March 13 at the annual Colorado Council for the Social Studies Conference at the History Colorado Center in Denver.
This year marks the 33rd year that Economic Literacy Colorado has selected a deserving teacher to be recognized for their exemplary teaching of personal financial and/or economic education, which provide students with essential skills they will use throughout life.
When Kastens started teaching 21 years ago, he was committed to teaching his students money management skills, and to this day, he has done just that. He weaves engaging economic or personal finance activities into math, reading and classroom management.
“Whether a child I teach grows up to be a doctor, architect, chef, office manager, or grocery store clerk, they are each going to have financial resources to manage,” Kastens said in a news release. “I strive to provide relevant, engaging lessons on how money works and how to control your money, not be controlled by it.”
Kastens served four years on the Academic Advisory Board for the Denver Branch of the Kansas City Federal Reserve and serves as a mentor teacher for Economic Literacy Colorado's teacher workshops.
This Koelbel Enterprising Teacher of the Year award is named in honor of Buz and Sherri Koelbel, longtime supporters of Economic Literacy Colorado and the teaching of economics and personal finance to teachers and students. The recognition of an exemplary teacher is what they had in mind when they lent their name to this award in 2016. Donors created an endowment in the Koelbel's name to help subsidize the $2,000 cash prize associated with the award.
Energy company donates $10,000 to financial literacy program
PDC Energy, an oil and gas company headquartered in Denver, has donated $10,000 to a Colorado nonprofit that supports professional development for teachers in financial literacy instruction.
“We are grateful that PDC Energy recognizes the value of students learning about personal finances and economics before they start making important decisions,” said Debbie Pierce, president and CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado. “This generous gift will go a long way in helping us equip teachers with the knowledge and tools they need in their classrooms.”
In the coming year, the donation will fund professional development for Denver and Weld County educators, as well as a stock market simulation exercise for students in grades 3-12.
In the 2017-2018 school year, 1,602 teachers attended EconLitCo courses, including 464 who participated in MoneyWi$er Personal Finance for Teachers, a series of workshops funded by the attorney general’s office. Over 16,000 students participated in the stock market exercise.
More than two-thirds of the nonprofit’s revenue comes from contributions. Courses available to educators include how to teach about the federal budget and national debt, Brexit, and women in the economy.
Greeley Tribune Opinion: Students deserve economic literacy education
Before they head out on their own after high school, there are a few skills that young people should probably have.
The ability to understand and manage finances is definitely on that list, which is why it’s puzzling to us that most school districts still don’t require any type of financial literacy coursework for their students.
We were impressed to learn about the programming from Economic Literacy Colorado, and its use in Windsor Middle School by educator Brent Carmichael. Carmichael’s students go through the Stock Market Experience, which gives students $100,000 fictional dollars to invest how they choose. The program culminates in a statewide competition, with Windsor kids often placing well among their peers from other schools.
Since there’s no school district requirement for this type of coursework, it’s currently up to individual schools and educators to decide they want to prioritize financial literacy for their students. In addition to the Stock Market Experience, Economic Literacy Colorado offers continuing education coursework for educators. These courses offer strategies to help teachers bring topics like global economics, debt, and economic reasoning to their classrooms.Data from Economic Literacy Colorado shows that 17 teachers from Greeley and 25 more from surrounding districts have participated in the program in the last three years. We think that’s a great start.
Training set on trading stocks
Training set on trading stocks
Economic Literacy Colorado is set to launch its free spring Stock Market Experience on Jan. 27. The Stock Market Experience (SME) is a 10-week, robust, online investment simulation program that teaches students in grades 3-12 about saving, investing, personal finance and basic economics.
“We are excited to kick off the new year with a program that unites educators and business professionals to train students in investing,” said Debbie Pierce, president and CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado. “ELC is passionate about teaching young people practical financial skills, such as investing, that will benefit them indefinitely.”
The 10-week program requires student teams to use intuitive technology to invest a virtual $100,000 in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more. Teams across the state can compete with others in their same age division. Students and teachers of the first-, second-, and third place winning teams in each age division will receive up to $100 in cash prizes at the spring Awards Ceremony on April 30.
New or returning teachers can participate in a series of training webinars on Thursday and Jan. 21. These 30-minute sessions will cover registration, investment selection, portfolio management, curriculum resources and more.
“Teachers with little or no knowledge of the stock market can register for the SME Mentored Investment Challenge,” added Pierce. “Knowledgeable financial volunteers are paired with teachers to help their students make the best trading decisions. Mentored teams compete with other mentored teams, and this smaller division of SME provides a higher odds of winning.”
Colorado teachers are invited to learn more or register for the SME, the SME Mentored Investment Challenge, and the training webinars at https://econlitco.org/stock-market-experience.
About Economic Literacy Colorado:
Economic Literacy Colorado is the only Colorado nonprofit dedicated to economic and personal financial literacy professional development for K-12 teachers. The organization was established in 1971 to better prepare students for successful participation in the economy. Economic Literacy Colorado offers university-accredited classes, workshops, online programs, and district trainings designed to equip Colorado teachers with the knowledge and tools their students will need for lifelong success. For more information about Economic Literacy Colorado, visit https://econlitco.org/ or call 303-752-2323.
Terry Considine receives 2019 Adam Smith award
Dinner co-chair and past honoree Buz Koelbel, Koelbel & Company, 2019 Adam Smith Honoree Terry Considine, Aimco Founder and CEO, and Dinner Co-Chair Meg Duke
Terry Considine, former Colorado Senator and Aimco CEO, was honored at the Adam Smith Award Dinner on October 10 for his commitment to economic education in Colorado schools. The event took place at the Seawell Ballroom with 265 friends attending.
Betsy and Terry Considine
Considine is a life-long entrepreneur and businessman, who, in addition to his two terms as senator, has served as Chairman and CEO of five public companies, including Aimco and the Considine Companies. He is also one of the co-founders of Club for Growth, an organization committed to advancing economic growth and limited government.
Considine gave a moving acceptance speech on the generational impact of economic literacy, and the legacy of Adam Smith. He emphasized how free markets guarantee free people – with freedom to work, speak, live and worship as they choose.
Bruce and Marcy Benson; Don Childears, Colorado Bankers Association, and Linda Childears, Daniels Fund
Economic Literacy Colorado, an educational nonprofit providing economic and financial literacy to teachers and students, hosted the Adam Smith Award Dinner
Buz and Sherri Koelbel, Dinner committee and past board members
“It was a privilege to honor Terry for his contributions to our community and free enterprise system,” said Debbie Pierce, president and CEO of EconLitCo. “Thanks to Terry and our generous sponsors, ELC’s classes and programs will continue to provide important life skills – economic and financial – to teachers and students across the state.”
The Dinner was sponsored by Lanny and Sharon Martin, along with Marcy and Bruce Benson, Terry Considine Family, Brian and Caryn Deevy, Meg and Jamie Duke, Buz and Sherri Koelbel, Mike and Gloria Komppa, Sturm Family/ANB Bank, Daniels Fund, El Pomar Foundation, and many others.
Jake Jabs, American Furniture Warehouse and Past Adam Smith Honoree; Debbie Pierce, President Economic Literacy Colorado; Terry Considine, Honoree; Sandra Michel, AMG National Trust Bank and Economic Literacy Colorado Board Chair
Dick and Marcia Robinson with Terry Considine
Hank Brown, Ralph Nagel, keynote speaker Steve Moore, Heritage Foundation Economist and former economics writer of The Wall Street Journal, Governor Bill Owens
Marcy Benson, Dan Ritchie, Joy Burns
Economic Literacy Colorado Honors Colorado Entrepreneur Terry Considine at Adam Smith Award Dinner
Denver, CO – On October 10, Economic Literacy Colorado, an educational nonprofit promoting economic and financial literacy to students across the state, will recognize Terry Considine with the Adam Smith Award at its 2019 Adam Smith Award Dinner.
Terry Considine is a life-long entrepreneur in business and politics. He has served as Chairman/CEO of five public companies, including Aimco. In 1994, Terry led the IPO of Aimco, and has served as its Chairman and CEO for the past 25 years. Terry is also the CEO of The Considine Companies which invest in real estate, venture capital, and distressed assets.
“Terry has changed the landscape of Colorado through his successful business ventures and financial dealings,” says Debbie Piece, CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado. “We are excited and honored to celebrate this respected businessman who has been a force for good in Colorado’s business community as well as a dear friend to so many.”
In addition to business, Terry has been active for decades in politics and philanthropy. He was elected twice to the Colorado Senate and co-founded Club for Growth, a national political organization of Americans committed to advancing economic growth and limited government.
“Free markets have made American prosperity the envy of the world. They have also enabled me to provide for my family and enjoy a satisfying career” said Terry. “I am grateful for the sound understanding of economics that I gained from my parents and learned in school. Every youngster would benefit from understanding how a free economy works. I’m thankful for Economic Literacy Colorado, which works with teachers across the state to help them educate their students with these essential life skills.”
Terry was born and raised on a cattle ranch near San Diego, California, and later graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He and his wife Betsy, who work as a team in their philanthropic endeavors, have three adult children and a ranch in western Colorado.
The Adam Smith Award Dinner honoring Terry and featuring keynote speaker Stephen Moore will take place at the Seawell Ballroom on October 10. Tickets and information are available at www.EconLitCo.org.
Economic Literacy Colorado is the only Colorado nonprofit offering university-accredited economic and personal financial professional development for K-12 teachers. Dedicated to educating students for successful participation in the economy, EconLitCo offers the Stock Market Experience programs for 3rd-12th grade students, and classes, workshops, online programs, and district trainings for teachers. For more information, visit www.EconLitCo.org.
Economic Literacy Colorado hosts free stock market training for teachers
By SPECIAL TO THE TIMES |
September 5, 2019 at 9:55 am
Economic Literacy Colorado is offering free teacher training courses for its fall Stock Market Experience program.
According to a press release, the Stock Market Experience (SME) is a ten week, robust, online investment simulation program that teaches third through 12th grade students about saving, investing, personal finance and basic economics. The SME training sessions are available both onsite or as webinars on Sept. 4, 5, or 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Teachers, who need no knowledge of the stock market, will receive an outline of the SME program, a demonstration of the website’s operational features and an overview of available curriculum resources and lesson plans.
“Providing students with foundational economic knowledge positions them to make wise financial decisions post-graduation,” says Debbie Pierce, president and CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado. “Our Stock Market Experience is a fun, interactive way to get students excited about managing and investing money.”
The SME is offered free of charge to all Colorado students and teachers due to sponsor support, the press release says. During its ten-week duration, student teams will use technology to invest a virtual $100,000 in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and more.
Student teams across the state can reportedly compete with others in their same age division. Students and teachers of the first, second and third place winning teams in each age division will receive up to $100 in cash prizes at the spring Awards Ceremony.
“We also offer the SME Mentored Investment Challenge,” added Pierce, “which pairs knowledgeable volunteer investors with student teams to provide an added level of support. It is free, fun, and educational for all involved.”
Colorado teachers are invited to learn more or register for the SME or the Mentored Investment Challenge at econlitco.org/stock-market-experience.
Registration for teacher trainings can be found at econlitco.org/sme-work shops/.
Free online stock market program for Colorado teachers and students to debut
Teachers and students throughout Colorado can learn about the stock market with a free online webinar.
The 10-week "Stock Market Exchange" program from Economic Literacy Colorado launches Sept. 9 and teaches third through 12th grade students about saving, investing, personal finance and basic economics.
Teachers do not need prior knowledge of how the stock market works to have their classes participate.
Teacher training sessions leading up to the course are available 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, 5 or 17.
Teachers will receive an outline of the program, a demonstration of the website’s operational features and an overview of available curriculum resources and lesson plans.
During the 10-week duration, student teams will use intuitive technology to invest a virtual $100,000 in stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
Student teams across the state can compete with others in their same age division. Students and teachers of the first, second, and third place winning teams in each age division will receive up to $100 in cash prizes at a spring awards ceremony.
The Stock Market Exchange is free to all Colorado students and teachers due to sponsorship support.
Colorado teachers can learn more or register for the program at https://econlitco.org/stock-market-experience. Registration for teacher trainings can be found at https://econlitco.org/sme-workshops/.
Contact the writer: 719-476-1656.
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