Show recognized for its innovative contribution to financial literacy education

FEDERAL WAY, WASH.—Biz Kid$, the youth-focused and credit union-funded financial education show on public television, received two Daytime Emmy® nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts & Science on Friday, May 15, 2009.

The 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Ceremony, hosted by Vanessa Williams, will be televised on August 30, 2009 from The Historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

"For credit unions, this is a major milestone in the ongoing effort to improve consumer financial education," says Washington Credit Union League President & CEO John Annaloro, who sees Biz Kid$ as the credit unions' gift to youth financial literacy in America.

"We are all so pleased Biz Kid$ received two Emmy nominations," Annaloro notes."  These nominations are a testament to the technical quality of the production, which enhances the efficacy of the show's message."

Credit unions have been the sole underwriters of Biz Kid$ since the project's launch in March 2006. And, since it first came on the airwaves in January 2008, Biz Kid$ has reached over 118 million households in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. Over 97 percent of public television stations are now showing Biz Kid$, including analog channels, high definition feeds and daily reruns.

Public awareness of Biz Kid$ and its message of entrepreneurship and financial responsibility is gaining traction. In recognition of National Financial Literacy Month in April, a group of Biz Kid$ actors, producers and fundraisers rang the closing bell at the NASDAQ stock exchange in New York, where the America's Credit Unions logo was flashed on the NASDAQ market tower.

One of the reasons for the wave of success is that Biz Kid$ is more than just a show, explains Gary Oakland, President & CEO of BECU in Seattle, Wash.  "After three years of support, credit unions can proudly say that Biz Kid$ has achieved everything that we had hoped: a quality TV series, companion classroom curriculum, a strong outreach program, and a rising popularity. It is a complete financial education tool and I am proud to a supporter," Oakland adds.

A full curriculum with activities and tests accompanies every episode of the television show, including five core episodes in Spanish. These can be downloaded for free from the Washington Credit Union League's Biz Kid$ web page. DVD box sets of the first 26 episodes of Biz Kid$ are also available for purchase for use by credit unions, educators and parents.

 "Our credit unions have discovered that Biz Kid$ is an entertaining and engaging way to teach middle schoolers about money and how to make it work for them," says John Slack, Executive Director of Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. "It is our intention to help break the cycle of dependence and entitlement and give as many kids as possible a chance to be financially successful. Use of Biz Kid$ resources will play a big role in those efforts."

Rudy Hanley, President & CEO SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union agrees. "As a financial literacy resource, Biz Kid$ has the potential to teach millions of young people about how to make and manage their money-something that is needed now more than ever. We are proud to have supported Biz Kid$ since its inception."

It is the show's focus on kids teaching kids that makes it most unique and effective. At a recent screening event in Washington State, high school students said that they could relate to the young entrepreneurs profiled in the show, who made concepts such as interest rates more tangible.

Paul Gentile, President/CEO of New Jersey Credit Union League agrees. "Biz Kid$ is one of the most innovative ways to reach out to young people to teach them about finances," he says. "The episodes promote financial literacy in fun and interesting ways and really attempt at connecting to the mindset of young people. Biz Kid$ is doing for finance what Bill Nye did for science."

Teachers and educators are noticing the impact the show has on young students, too. Deborah Wege, Community Affairs Manager at BECU with 15 years' experience teaching children about financial education says, "This program has all the magical elements needed to create enthusiasm about financial literacy. I have seen firsthand how students are inspired by the ‘real life' stories of youth of their own age creating successful businesses and successful philanthropic efforts."

Credit union professionals and volunteers are visiting Boys and Girls Clubs, DECA Clubs, Girl Scouts and local YMCAs throughout the country to bring Biz Kid$ in classrooms and communities.

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The Washington Credit Union Foundation is the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of the Washington Credit Union League. Its mission is to support and promote credit union development and credit unions’ commitment to social responsibility.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime Entertainment, Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment, Public & Community Service, Technology & Engineering, and Business & Financial Reporting.  Regional Emmy® Awards are given in 19 regions across the United States. NATAS also presents the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Global Media Awards™ which recognizes excellence in the world-wide intersection of digital entertainment and technology. Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including National Student Television and its Student Award for Excellence for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications, and major activities for both industry professionals and the viewing public.  For more information, please visit the website at www.emmyonline.tv