Through its signature philanthropic initiative called AT&T Aspire, AT&T is helping Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, and more than 50 JA areas across the country, reach at-risk students. In addition to the company’s  financial support, which totals more than $800,000 nationally, AT&T employees serve as valued mentors, committing significant time to helping students learn, develop confidence and chart a course for the future.

On Dec. 7, 2016, AT&T professionals from the Denver metro area volunteered at JA Finance Park, mentoring 110 students from McLain High School, South High School and Crown Pointe Academy. This was the first of at least two sessions that AT&T volunteers will support during the 2016/2017 school year.

JA Finance Park, presented by Empower Retirement, begins in the classroom, with teacher-led lessons about topics like income, saving, debit and credit. The program culminates in a “real-life” simulation onsite at JA Finance Park, located in Thornton, CO.  The reality-based simulation gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning by creating a family budget based on hypothetical life situations assigned to the students, such as job, salary and family situation.

“So many of our teens haven’t learned how to properly manage their finances, either because they haven’t had those conversations with their parents or haven’t had access to financial literacy programs in school,” said Meaghan Sullivan, vice president of programs for JA-Rocky Mountain. “With JA Finance Park, we aren’t just telling students how to manage budgets; we’re putting them into the situation and asking them to make tough decisions.”

AT&T is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. The company drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue, including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring. JA is proud to partner with AT&T and its employees to bring relevant, real-world financial education to Colorado youth.