Since a conversation with his eight-year-old son inspired him to write Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire - The Lemonade Escapade more than a decade ago, author and motivational speaker Ty Allan Jackson has had one primary goal: inspire kids to achieve their dreams by making it easier to learn about finances and entrepreneurship. Jackson's book follows 11-year-old Danny Dollar's quest to become a millionaire by opening up his own lemonade stand. The story became the inspiration for the Danny Dollar Academy, which has helped thousands of kids across the country improve their financial literacy.

In 2022, United Way of the Greater Capital Region partnered with Ty to bring the Danny Dollar Academy to our community. In the past year, the program has doubled in size and is now offered to more than 150 kids at four local nonprofits.

Finance is often considered an adult topic but this initiative proves it's never too early to learn skills that can help a child shape their own future. United Way is proud to support financial literacy programs like Danny Dollar Academy that can help children and their families achieve financial security.