Josh Earls, 16, has very specific dreams for his future. He wants to graduate from high school, go to college to study philosophy and theology, and maybe, one day, own a ranch in Blackforest or Penrose Colorado. And, he says he believes this is all really possible– in large part thanks to PPCAA’s Youth Education Savings Program and its partnership with Pikes Peak Academy. Josh wasn’t always this on-track. “I went to a public middle school, and it really wasn’t good for me,” he said. “I was around people doing drugs and stuff, and that really was not doing me any good.” Josh wanted a more Christian, supportive atmosphere, so his parents enrolled him in Pikes Peak Academy for high school. Meeting even a minimum tuition at the school during Josh’s Sophomore year became difficult for this working class family: That’s when YE$ and PPCAA came into the picture. Josh enrolled in this matched savings program for at risk youth and began making monthly savings deposits earned from his “jack of all trades” job at Park Terrace Apartments. “My monthly savings goal is $80 - $100,” he said – a sum way beyond the minimum requirement of $5.00. “I’ve never saved that much before! I’d spend my money buying pizza and stuff for my friends.” He said YE$ has taught him self control and discipline. “I’ve done a lot of things through YE$ I never thought I could do,” he said, including learning about compounded interest and money management through ENT Federal Credit Union’s youth “Show Me the Money” course which Josh said was “cool!”  Mentorship from PPCAA’s CEO Jim Faber made a big impression on Josh, now a Junior. “This guy is so generous. His program gives out money to help other people less fortunate. I’m speechless. He is such a great, moral person. When I grow up, I want to be like Jim.”