Empowering Students Through Financial Literacy: The I Am Financial Knowledge Program

Written by Cheryl Turpin, IAFK Front Range Manager

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:

· Planning & money management

· Budgeting & paychecks

· Income & taxes

· Banking & credit

· Saving & investing

· Spending & sharing

· Risk management & insurance

· Education & career options

· Financial responsibility & decision-making

We are super proud to share our IAFK program, which serves 6,000 students across Colorado, offers free, hands-on lessons designed for 5th and 8th graders. The Level I program introduces 5th-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 $0.50 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 4 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!