Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Youthentity
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 1989
City: Carbondale
State: CO
Postal Code: 81623
Main Phone: 970-963-4055
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.youthentity.org
Employer ID Number: 84-1601705
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/26/2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Money Smart and Career Ready
Project Description:

Youthentity prepares middle and high school students for life beyond the classroom through financial literacy, career exploration, and workforce readiness education programs that are responsive to local and statewide needs.
For middle school students, our I Am Financial Knowledge (IAFK) program delivers foundational personal finance education in classrooms across Colorado. In 2024–25, more than 6,500 students completed the program, demonstrating an average 33% increase in financial knowledge from pre- to post-assessment. Students build skills in budgeting, saving, credit, and decision-making, equipping them with tools for lifelong financial stability.
At the high school level, Youthentity offers comprehensive career education. Career Academies provide hands-on training in Culinary Arts, Construction, Healthcare, Business, and Real Estate/Finance/Entrepreneurship. 2024–25 outcomes include, 58 students completing academies, earning 73 industry certifications such as OSHA-10, ServSafe, NCCER, and CPR/First Aid, along with 705 high school and 204 concurrent college credits. These programs align directly with regional workforce needs and create clear pathways to employment or post-secondary education.
Our annual Career Expo connects more than 1,700 juniors and seniors from Aspen to Parachute, with 85+ employers and higher education partners, educating students in over 600 career pathways. In addition, High 5 Your Life integrates career planning with financial decision-making, helping students understand the real cost of independence and set intentional goals.
Our educational programs are taught in partnership with the school districts, and our student demographics mirror the community we serve that is over 55% Hispanic and 49% eligible for free or reduced lunch, higher than the statewide average of 44.6%.
Together, Youthentity serves over 8,300 youth annually, strengthening both individual futures and the economic vitality of Colorado communities. A grant award of $10,000 will be used equally for our IAFK and Career Academy programs.

Total Project Budget: $520,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $465,000

Project Duration: Jan 2027 – Dec 2027
Geographical Area Served: Colorado
Age Group To Be Served: 11-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Kristina
Contact Last Name: Freeman
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 970-963-4055
Contact Email: info@youthentity.org