Why Credit Unions Should Get Involved
This partnership will open the doors to schools that have been otherwise inaccessible to credit union educators. The project will produce measurable results (viewership via ratings, numbers of students reached during outreach in schools through JA Worldwide).
The bizKID$ project will demonstrate the credit union principle of social responsibility, and provide a visible example of outreach to our communities.
The project is also a forceful response to bank arguments that credit unions shouldn’t be involved in member business lending.
In return for underwriting the national production of the program, credit unions essentially get:
- A nationally broadcast, credit union awareness cooperative TV branding campaign.
- Show content that will educate families about the credit union difference (for example, one show will feature a high school credit union branch).
- Kids engaged and interested in financial literacy (and their parents too!).
- The bizKID$ show will also serve as the cornerstone of a broader business education campaign with multiple levels of outreach. Imagine the possibilities such as a strong web component, interactive DVDs, business start-up kits, and seminars…maybe even a bizKID$ micro-credit loan for kids starting up their own businesses and only available at their local participating credit unions.
- The bizKID$ curriculum will be integrated into schools through the extensive network already established by Junior Achievement.
For information on how to sponsor bizKID$, contact us.
The Show
bizKID$ is about…
- Financial literacy
- Entrepreneurial education
Each of the 30-minute episodes features unique and interesting stories about young entrepreneurs and reinforces the importance of budgeting, savings, and giving back to the community. The program, which is shown on various PBS stations across New York appeals to both children and their parents by integrating direct education with real-life profiles, comedy sketches, kooky characters, animation, and music. Each episode features one or two learning objectives based upon national standards in financial literacy and entrepreneurial education.
Supporting educational resources for teachers, parents and students, developed by JA Worldwide, are FREE and available on the bizKID$ Web site. Exclusively underwritten by America’s Credit Unions—a coalition of credit unions, credit union leagues and foundations, affiliated credit union system organizations and credit union service providers—bizKID$ will include a customized curriculum, being developed by Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide, that corresponds with each episode. The show is being produced by the Emmy Award-winning creators of the PBS/Disney series Bill Nye the Science Guy.
What Drew These Three Entities Together as JA's bizKID$ Partners?JA Worldwide and America’s Credit Unions were drawn together by their mutual credibility, longevity, parallel missions and proven results.
Credit unions represent an international, not-for-profit, financial-cooperative movement whose goal is to make their members’ lives better through economic empowerment. This begins with sound financial education.
Credit union educators already partner with JA Worldwide, the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) and other educational program providers to voluntarily teach young people money management skills. Through the JA bizKID$ partnership, even more doors are opening to credit unions’ core values of self-help and social responsibility.
JA Worldwide uses hands-on experiences to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. In partnership with business and educators, JA Worldwide brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential.
The JA’s bizKID$ project was a natural fit, but it was the recognition of the national scope, potential long-term reach and mutual passion to address the important need of financial literacy that sealed the deal. So, on June 22, 2006, JA Worldwide CEO David S. Chernow, Washington Credit Union League President/CEO John Annaloro, Snohomish County (Wash.) PUD Credit Union CEO and former WCUF Chairman Bob Schumacher and JA’s bizKID$ Executive Producer Jamie Hammond signed the contract that began the partnership.
Success Through Economic Empowerment
According to the Jump$tart Coalition’s 2006 survey of 5,775 high school students in 37 states, 12th graders’ level of knowledge of personal finance basics is sadly lacking. The average score for the 2006 survey was 52.4%, up only slightly from the 52.3% in the 2004 survey. The need and desire by young people to get financial education is obvious. JA’s bizKID$ will help teachers, parents and children start talking about managing money, and will provide teaches with outstanding financial literacy content and resources to use in the classroom.
Jamie Hammond, JAWorldwide’s bizKID$ Executive Producer, has stated: “When the 71 million young people who make up Generation Y begin driving America’s economy, it will be too late to address with them the need for financial literacy.” She points out however, “It’s not too late to start with America’s youth. JA’s bizKID$ will be one of the most effective tools for engaging kids to care about their financial futures.”
