America’s Credit Unions Contribute $5.2 Million to Biz Kid$ TV Program

WASHINGTON–Washington CU League President and CEO John Annaloro presented a $5.2 million check last week, representing America’s Credit Unions’ commitment to produce the first two seasons of “JA’s Biz Kid$,” a new youth financial education series on PBS television. This check was the largest philanthropic gift ever presented on stage in the 88-year history of Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide, during the organization’s leadership conference here. The first full season of JA’s Biz Kid$ is expected to begin airing on PBS TV stations during the fall of 2007. State credit union foundations and leagues are working with JA to package curriculum from the TV series that credit union volunteers will be able to use to provide multimedia youth financial education in classrooms. Support from the CU movement also has fostered the creation of a new interactive youth website–www.bizkids.com–where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn how to make money, manage money, and pitch their business ideas to become “Biz Kids.” Credit union supporters can contribute to JA's Biz Kid$ by going to the Washington CU League’s members site at www.waleague.org and clicking Biz Kid$.