Girl Scouts of Colorado and U.S. Bank have joined forces to offer a bilingual patch program that teaches girls how to manage money and become entrepreneurs. The program, which is the first of its kind in Colorado, aims to reach Spanish-speaking communities and inspire girls to pursue their dreams.
A patch for financial literacy
The patch program, which was held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, involved more than 170 Girl Scouts from Denver and Colorado Springs. The girls participated in five stations where they learned about budgeting, saving, investing, earning, and spending. They also got to create their own business plans and pitch their ideas to U.S. Bank employees.
The program was designed to be accessible and inclusive for girls of different backgrounds and cultures. The stations were led by bilingual U.S. Bank volunteers who spoke both English and Spanish. The girls also received a free patch designed by artist and small business owner, Xencs Jiménez, who incorporated elements of both languages and cultures.
A partnership for empowerment
The patch program was initiated by U.S. Bank, which approached Girl Scouts of Colorado with the idea of creating a financial education program for girls. U.S. Bank is committed to providing access to financial tools and resources for underserved communities, as part of its U.S. Bank Access Commitment™ goal.
Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with U.S. Bank and offer a patch program that aligns with its mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character. Girl Scouts of Colorado CEO Leanna Clark said, “We’re excited to work with U.S. Bank and offer this patch program in Spanish and English. We also want the Spanish-speaking community to see what their girls can gain through Girl Scouts.”
A future for success
The patch program was not only a fun and educational experience for the girls, but also a stepping stone for their future. The girls learned valuable skills that will help them achieve their financial goals and become leaders in their communities. They also discovered the potential of entrepreneurship and the power of their talents.
One of the participants, Daniela Carrillo, a 14-year-old Girl Scout from Troop 60555 in Thornton, said, “I really want to start my own car shop. And in order to do that, I have to make money. So I chose the path to clean houses before anything so I can get my own supplies.” She added, “This program helped me learn how to save and invest my money, and how to make a business plan.”
The patch program was a success for both Girl Scouts of Colorado and U.S. Bank, who hope to continue their partnership and offer more opportunities for girls to learn and grow. They also hope to inspire other organizations and communities to support bilingual education and empowerment for girls.
