Dear Members,

It is a busy time for financial literacy. There's a lot going on and a lot to do.

Over 110 people combined attended CAJ$ half state member meetings in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Networking opportunities were singled out as providing attendees a huge benefit. It was amazing to see the many different initiatives focusing on personal financial literacy and so many fantastic contacts being made. Highlights included: Maynard Brown's inspirational and eloquent keynotes on the value and need of teaching students personal financial literacy." "If not us, who? If not now, when?" Presentations by the Future Business Leaders and the Youth Leadership Institute gave attendees insights to some wonderful efforts. The winners of California Jump$tart Financial Literacy Awards attended the meetings to accept their awards and share their vision. Thanks to Meeting Committee members Rita Fillingane, Carol Highton, Margo White, Robin Rockwood and Rebecca Seher for their work and follow through to make these meeting so effective. Discussion of fall 07 member meetings has begun.

I'm happy to announce four new CAJ$ Advisory Group members who want to add their energy and unique knowledge and skills to CAJ$. Mayumi King, President and CEO of Inspire Learning, Ltd. James Bassett, Ph.D. Professor, College of Business, Cal Poly Pomona (and California Jump$tart Award Winner). Gary R. Jaeckel, Retired Executive and Executive Director of Personal Financial Education in High Schools. And John Lanza, CEO, Snigglezoo Entertainment Welcome and we look forward to working with all of you.

As always, there are many updates and opportunities in financial literacy. Please forward this email to friends and colleagues you think might be interested, and if you would like to add your updates please contact us at info@cajumpstart.org

What else?

Thank you for all your efforts. We're making progress.

Have Fun,
Jim Greenwood, Chair
California Jump$tart Coalition
http://www.cajumpstart.org

California Jump$tart Awards

We congratulate the winners of the first California Jump$tart Financial Literacy Awards recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in financial literacy

Outstanding Educators:
Dr. James Bassett of California State University at Pomona, for his work at the high school and college levels in helping over 5000 students develop understanding and skills in areas of financial literacy

Maynard Brown of Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, for his many efforts in expanding financial literacy and entrepreneurship, including creation of the Crenshaw High School Business Management and Entrepreneurship Academy. Mr. Brown was also recognized as Junior Achievement's National Teacher of the Year in 2006.

Personal Financial Literacy Leadership:
Laura McGrew of ByDesign Financial Solutions (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling) for creation of the Financial Firsts program, which has been used with over 600 foster youth in California.

Steven Wimmers, a San Diego CPA and past Chair of the California Society of CPA's, for his work in making financial literacy a key commitment of the CalCPA organization, which lead to the creation of the 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy effort by the American Institute of CPAs.

Thanks to Board members Karen Anderson and Norm Greenbaum for making the California Jump$tart recognition program a reality.

Government Relations

The following government relations resolution was approved by the CAJ$ Board at our April 26th meeting.

"The California Jump$tart Coalition Board supports an active government relations strategy that results in the implementation of personal financial education at every level from K through 12th grades."

Jason Alderman, head of the CAJ$ Government Relations Committee along with other Board members are developing input, and shaping future plans, to make this effort a reality.

Member Updates and Resources

Thank you to everyone who has sent in news and links. And thanks to Sam X Renick for his continuing contributions. Sam is a CAJ$ Advisory Group Member and Founder and CEO of The "It's a Habit!" Company, Inc. www.itsahabit.com

The newly revised National Standards in K-12 Personal Finance Education are now live on national Jump$tart's website.

CFALA Capital Markets Contest. Awards presented at the finals on May 22, 2007, at the Federal Reserve Bank in Los Angeles.

Hands on Banking give students practical lessons in handling their finances.
http://www.education-world.com/a_issues/chat/chat211.shtml

LA NHS www.lanhs.org will be teaming up with CRA/LA to host its annual Neighborhood Pride Day in Canoga Park. On Saturday, June 9th and financial literacy will be on the agenda. If your organization would like to participate, contact Nina Kihlman, Community Relations nkihlman@lanhs.org

The importance of increasing financial literacy levels across our nation. The testimony of Dan Iannicola, Jr. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Education.

Study: Half of U.S. Teachers Use Financial Literacy Content in Class.
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=23070

Pint-Sized Savers Stuff Piggy Banks with $1.16 Million.

The Indie Typist: Financial Illiteracy, The Stanford Daily, by Student Kevin Padrez.
http://daily.stanford.edu/article/2007/4/18/theIndieTypistFinancialIlliteracy

Kids Get Money Smart.

Fed chief stresses financial literacy.

On April 25, 170 students at Euclid Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA learned the importance of saving.

Financial Literacy Now on the National Agenda: Groups Encourage the President to Act.