Imagine being 11 years old and having the opportunity to take on the role of an actual mayor. Imagine working at the local grocery store and handling actual finances in a bank. Imagine being able to arrest people and make them pay fines before you reach 6th grade. Well 5th graders all over Colorado are participating in a program that allows them to do just that. 11 year olds run Young AmeriTowne the entire day, taking on the roles of society members.
Young AmeriTowne is an exceptional hands-on lesson that teaches children free enterprise. This program introduces the students to the basic principles of the American economic system. Teachers prepare their students over several weeks, completing 37 lessons in class, so that the students are able to get a feel for their exciting and exhausting day at Young AmeriTowne. Once the lessons are complete, the students are able to become the mayor, store owner, bank teller, and police officers of AmeriTowne.
Young AmeriTowne consists of seventeen businesses where the students have access to a whole town of resources. Students learn how the economy works, how businesses operate, how to manage finances, and how to handle the responsibilities that go along with a particular job. Students will experience what it is like working in a bank, in an actual mini bank setting. They will handle the distribution of money by cashing and depositing checks from their fellow community members. The mayor will be sworn in and will cut the ribbon and be given the key to the town. A group of cashiers and stockers will work at a mini version of King Soopers, while UPS workers are busy delivering mail and packages to the local town members. One of the most interesting job roles students may take on are the local police officers, who work diligently handing out tickets to community violators.
Working at the local grocery store not only calls for the students to play with a cash register ringing up groceries, if the demand is high for a product, they have to know how to up the price and gain a profit. Young AmeriTown, shows the students how society really works, not just a picture perfect view of how they may think it works. They actually get the best “real life” experience possible.
To enroll your students into Young AmeriTowne you will need to review the “Curriculum Overview” and “How it Works” and decide how long it will take you and the other 5th grade teachers in your school to teach the lessons to your student. Then you must select a date between September and June to have your students visit Young AmeriTown for a day. You will also need to attend a teacher orientation. These sessions are available on weekdays and weekends throughout the year. You should plan on coming to a session at least eight weeks before you plan on coming to Young AmeriTowne.
AmeriTowne costs $20.00 per students, and it is best to try to acquire the funds through a school fundraiser, grants, or through sponsors. Limited financial assistance is available.
AmeriTowne is a great experience for the youth. It teaches them how society runs and gives them an appreciation for what American citizens do from day to day. As a teacher you have the opportunity to help your students become better citizens while enjoying an opportunistic day at AmeriTowne.
If you would like additional information on AmeriTowne, please call 303-321-2265 and ask for C.J. Juleff, Vice President of Programs or Josh Mikatich, Director of Programs Registration.
Young AmeriTowne is located in their headquarters facility at 3550 E. First Ave. Denver, CO. AmeriTowne is also located at 401 S. Pierce Street (Belmar facility) in Lakewood, CO.
