|
Jump$tart Coalition Annual Awards Dinner.  As you know, April is financial literacy month. To kick things off, I was invited to the the Jump$tart Coalition 2009 Annual Awards Dinner last night in Washington, DC. This was my first time attending the event so I did not know what to expect. Much to my delight, it turned out to be the who's who in financial education and financial literacy with representation from some of the largest corporate sponsors and benefactors, Federal agencies, and non-profits. Ric Edelman, TV and radio show host and author, Emcee'd the event and infused the evening with a good dose of humor on April Fool's Day (i.e. the Dow Jones has been renamed "Down" Jones).
The awards and winners were:
Federal Legislator Award
The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, United States House of Representatives
William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award
Barbara M. O'Neil, Ph.D, Cooperative Extension, Rutgers University
State Coalition of the Year Award
The Tennessee Jump$tart Coalition, Jackie Morgan
National Financial Literacy Poster Contest Winner
Leah Ellyson, 11th Grade Student, Farmington, WV
Throughout the event, the message was clear and consistent. There has never been a greater need for financial education, and it is never too early to start teaching our kids to become financially responsible. I was particularly pleased to hear one of the speakers emphasize the need to evaluate the effectiveness of financial education and literacy initiatives. We have to know what works and what doesn't.
I think the event last night was a great way to kick off financial literacy month. It highlighted the tremendous need and opportunity to develop effective financial education programs. As importantly, it showcased an ever-growing community of public and private enterprises who share a common vision to help every American achieve the American Dream.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
