Community Champion Organization
The Colorado Financial Literacy Project
The Colorado Financial Literacy Project’s stated mission is to build financial literacy across all age groups, equipping people with the tools they need to achieve secure financial futures. By distributing resources and conducting awareness-raising campaigns, the project promotes economic empowerment through financial education.
Shangra-La Jones, who spearheads the project, shows daily how financial literacy benefits everyone – regardless of their age, background, or current situation. By increasing financial wellness, Jones and the Colorado Financial Literacy Project strengthen Colorado communities and build resilience among their residents. Through their generosity and tireless efforts, these community champions are making Colorado a better place.
Company History
In today’s complex financial landscape, understanding money management is crucial for individuals and families alike. At the Colorado Financial Literacy Project, we are dedicated to promoting financial wellness through education and resources that empower people to make informed financial decisions. Our mission is to enhance financial literacy across all age groups, equipping them with the tools necessary for a secure financial future.
My journey in the financial industry has been extensive, spanning various roles that have honed my skills in financial literacy. This passion led to the establishment of the Colorado Financial Literacy Project, where we focus on fostering financial knowledge and skills in our community.
Since 2008, I have been actively involved in teaching financial literacy courses for both adults and youth, as well as delivering presentations on budgeting, investments, credit, debt, and savings throughout Denver and its surrounding areas. In 2018, I joined the Financial Advocacy Committee of the National Financial Educators Council. Our mission is to elevate financial literacy standards in schools, promote parental engagement in children’s financial education, and provide high-impact financial education programming to communities. Through this committee, we have developed training tools that bring our initiatives to life.
Leveraging my financial expertise and collaborating with industry peers, I launched “The Ultimate Financial Literacy Program,” a series of educational books designed to introduce youth to essential financial concepts. Our project aligns perfectly with Colorado’s recent legislation, HB 25-1192, which mandates that all public high school students complete a financial literacy course to graduate starting with the class of 2028.
Financial literacy is vital for individuals of all ages, as it equips them with the knowledge to make sound financial choices and manage their resources effectively. Our engaging resources use word association techniques to enhance financial vocabulary and retention. The “Ultimate Financial Literacy” book series, recognized in the 2024 Financial Money Matters Newsletter as an exceptional resource for all ages, is designed to empower readers to navigate the complexities of personal finance and build a solid foundation for financial stability.
Our book series includes:
1. The Ultimate Financial Literacy Workbook; ISBN: 9798324121655
This interactive workbook features financial word searches, mazes, and activities that make learning about financial literacy enjoyable for children aged 6-13.
2. The Ultimate Financial Literacy Word Search for Kids; ISBN: 9798321827536
A 100-page puzzle book filled with 1,200 financial terms, this resource helps children ages 7-16 develop essential financial concepts while having fun.
3. The Ultimate Financial Literacy Word Search; ISBN: 9798321340028
Designed for teens and adults, this engaging 2,000-word search puzzle challenges users to explore critical financial topics, reinforcing their understanding of essential concepts.
Shangra-La Jones leads the financial wellness campaign for the Colorado Financial Literacy Project, passionately advocating for increased financial capability throughout Colorado. Together, we are committed to fostering a financially literate community, ensuring that everyone has the knowledge and skills to thrive. Join us in our mission to promote financial wellness for all!
Community Service Gratitude for The Colorado Financial Literacy Project
The benevolent donations provided by the Colorado Financial Literacy Project have a meaningful impact on the ability of the Colorado Financial Educators Council to achieve its vision. Through their resources and advocacy, the COFEC is enabled to reach more individuals, families, and beneficiary organizations across the state with much-needed financial wellness support.
Further, the project empowers media outreach and awareness-raising campaigns across Colorado to spread the word about the resources and training made available through this initiative. Raising awareness and recognition helps ensure that the programming becomes sustainable and can be taken to scale.
Shangra-La Jones focuses her efforts around the principles of empowerment, empathy, perseverance, and making complex concepts understandable for everyone. She demonstrates those values every day as she works to make financial wellness a reality for Coloradans.
