Biggert Joins Chicago Bears Matt Forte and Charles Tillman to Teach Financial Literacy
Chicago, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) gave Bolingbrook High School students an opportunity to put their financial literacy skills to the test yesterday with the help of Chicago Bears Matt Forte and Charles Tillman. Approximately 40 students played a fast-paced round of Financial Football, an educational video game incorporating the lessons taught through Practical Money Skills for Life, a financial education program sponsored by Visa.
“In today’s increasingly complex financial marketplace, it’s critically important that students enter the workforce with the knowledge and tools they need to make sound economic decisions, manage risk, and avoid financial pitfalls,” said Biggert, senior member of both the House Committees on Financial Services and Education and the Workforce. “Fun and engaging tools like Financial Football are a great way to help set today’s youth on the path to a more prosperous future as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and smart consumers. I’m thrilled to be joining Chicago Bears greats Matt Forte and Charles Tillman to coach the students at Bolingbrook High School in a friendly competition of Financial Football.”
During the event, Biggert, Forte and Tillman provided opening remarks about the importance of financial literacy and then rolled up their sleeves to coach the student teams. Visa’s Senior Director of Global Financial Education Jason Alderman emceed the game of Financial Football, which allowed players to advance the ball down the field with each correct answer. Students also received a copy of the game, which can be downloaded for free online at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/football, and autographed photos of the Chicago Bears players. This initiative is part of a national educational campaign with VISA, the NFL and NFL players now in its seventh season.
“Kids need to know how to make smart money management decisions early in life,” said Forte. “It takes the combined efforts of parents, teachers, and mentors within the community to give teenagers a strong background in personal finance.”
“In today’s challenging economy, it’s even more important to find creative ways to educate kids on how to make sound financial decisions and protect their financial futures,” said Tillman.
“For over a decade, Visa has been committed to promoting financial literacy and we are proud to assist Rep. Biggert in her efforts to strengthen financial education in the state of Illinois,” said Jason Alderman, Senior Director of Global Financial Education, Visa Inc.
Biggert said the event is one of several she has participated in this year to increase awareness of financial literacy. In April, she partnered with VISA and Hinsdale South to play Financial Soccer. Her Congressional Caucus on Financial & Economic Literacy hosted its annual Financial Literacy Day Fair on Capitol Hill on April 15th to promote policies and programs across the nation designed to improve the financial skills of American students and consumers.
