By Gigi Hyland
You’ve probably heard about Biz Kid$, right? First airing in 2008, Biz Kid$ is the only credit union branded national financial literacy initiative that teaches kids about money and business. It is the first national public television series promoting financial education for elementary through high school students and was created by the same team that produced “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”
The initiative includes an Emmy award-winning television series, free classroom curriculum, outreach activities, and a website targeting kids 9 – 16 years old. But did you know that Biz Kid$ is being used by organizations, outside of the classroom, to improve the financial futures of the next generation?
For the last 4 ½ years the National Credit Union Foundation has partnered with the Armed Forces Network (AFN) to bring the only credit union-branded financial education resource, Biz Kid$, to our military families overseas. Through AFN, nearly one-million American service men and women’s families worldwide have access to Biz Kid$ episodes.
Larry Marotta, Chief of the Television Division of the AFN, knows a bit about value-added programming for our service members and their families. Here’s what he has to say about Biz Kid$:
"Financial literacy has never been as important as it is now and it is critical that young people learn how to manage their money more now than ever before. We are delighted to be airing this wonderful television series that is also a very important learning tool for kids and adults too. We are also so grateful to the producers and to the underwriters for making such a thoughtful and fun program available to our military families serving our nation overseas.”
There are other organizations who have also recognized the value of Biz Kid$, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS has adopted Episode 401 – A World Without Taxes – for their education outreach across the country.
Another Great Example
Another great example is the US Department of Education, who gave Biz Kid$ a grant for video transcription for the blind and sight impaired. All episodes are broadcast with this service and are also close captioned for the hearing impaired.
As you can see, Biz Kid$ is reaching kids and families across the United States at all walks of life. With your help, you can help us reach even more.
Now, we’re fundraising for Season 6 of Biz Kid$ to keep this all-respected youth financial education initiative timely and fresh. Please support this credit union system resource by donating now or pledging for 2017 at www.ncuf.coop/bk6.
Gigi Hyland is Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation.