Personal financial literacy and economic education in schools prepares students for a lifetime of financial decisions, provides the opportunity to live healthier and happier lives, and improves our economy as a whole. Economic Literacy Colorado (EconLitCo) is the only nonprofit in Colorado providing K-12 teachers with professional development and classroom enrichment opportunities to prepare students to achieve personal financial sustainability and self-sufficiency. EconLitCo sets students up with crucial life skills to understand economic and financial security by equipping teachers with tools and knowledge to teach personal finance and economics in schools. EconLitCo accomplishes this by:Â
ADVOCACY: Ensuring Colorado students have opportunities to learn how the economy works, how to manage personal finances, and how to make well-informed choices. Personal finance and economics are disciplines that establish an important foundation for personal prosperity and create a positive ripple effect for students, their families, and communities. Research shows that high quality academics, coupled with school-based financial education programs, is a key strategy in breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Â
PREPARING TEACHERS: Offering professional development classes, lesson plans and pedagogy to teachers, schools and school districts, to better educate their students. EconLitCo supports teachers by offering university-accredited graduate-level continuing education at low or no cost to teachers by raising sufficient funds. Research finds that significant increases in student learning are associated with higher levels of teacher qualifications.Â
STUDENT PROGRAMS: Creating real-world, hands-on opportunities for students to learn about our economic system and explore careers in the financial industry with programs like Stock Market Experience where students can virtually invest $100,000 into real stocks, bonds, and mutual funds; and Invest in Girls where high school girls can meet women business leaders and learn about careers.
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TESTIMONIALS
"The skills and strategy building that the Stock Market Experience provides is truly life changing information and will have a lasting impact on everybody lucky enough to get to use this tool. We appreciate you for helping us learn an develop skills that will serve us for years to come!" Student - Doherty High School
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"I was given very little by my school district to be able to teach PFL and Econ to my students. The materials and skills I received today allow me to be a confident teacher in these topics." Zachary Norman, Green Acres Elementary School, Fort Morgan
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"I have never been disappointed when attending Economic Literacy Colorado classes - they are well worth giving up a Saturday. I always come out of class excited about learning and teaching economics." Kayla Thomason, Coal Ridge Middle School, Firestone
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"Economic Literacy Colorado classes make me think, make me smarter, and improve my instruction - every single course, and today's was no different." Suzette Phillips, Cherokee Trail High School, Aurora
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"Phenomenal instructors, ready-to-use activities for students, lots of up-to-date knowledge. Information has multi-subject uses, at all grade levels. Economics brings all subjects together!" Andrea Jimenez, Holy Trinity Academy, Trinidad