“People are looking for help, and will do business with the one that is there to provide it,” says Stewart Rose, President of Truebridge (www.truebridge.com).

“By leveraging our many retail delivery channels including our branches, website, email, and social media, we are able to start dialogues with customers and set up more sales appointments without adding a lot of extra cost,” says Ann-Cabell Williams, SVP/Retail Executive at EVB Bank in Virginia that recently signed on ( http://learn.bankevb.com/ ).

Financial institutions know that regulators look favorably on this approach. The FDIC, FINRA and the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau all offer financial education and encourage the banks to do the same.

This industry shift from a product focus to a relationship focus is built on solid ground. A Forrester Research survey of 26,000 online households reported that people are 43 percent more likely to buy a financial product around a life event. “Any financial institution can sell product, but being there for someone when they need your advice during a life event makes you a trusted advisor, instead of a salesman,” says Joyce M. Dye, SVP, Strategic Planning, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Huntsville, Alabama.

About Truebridge:
Truebridge, founded in 2000, provides financial institutions with the Smart Life Connect education-based marketing system that helps banks and credit unions market more of their products to a wider range of customers via multiple delivery channels, thereby increasing customer loyalty and profitability. In addition, Truebridge offers a wide range of marketing services to financial institutions. Learn more at: http://www.truebridge.com/ .

NEWS SOURCE: Truebridge, Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® – Copr. © 2013. Syndication source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Banks-Flock-to-Financial-Education-to-Drive-Sales_2013-05-0522-003.shtml .

State Farm, one of the nation’s largest insurance companies is partnering with the Council for Economic Education (CEE) and CCEE, in supporting the America’s Promise Alliance with its Grad Nation campaign goal to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce.

Virtual Economics 4.0 is the nation’s most comprehensive educational resource for teachers of economics and personal finance. It includes 51 key economic concepts, a glossary with 500-plus terms and definitions, and over 1,200 activity-based lessons, each accompanied by a multi-media demonstration. All lessons are aligned with California’s Common Core Standards in Mathematics, Reading, English/Language Arts and History/Social Science.

Samona Caldwell, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist describes the grant as part of “State Farm’s mission of giving all children access to a first-rate education through accountability-based education that identifies goals, measures and promotes collaboration.” Teachers’ demand for CCEE’s training opportunities increased dramatically in 2012 more than ever before. Through its wide network and superb teachers and students outreach, CCEE is able to reach a wider array of teachers to ensure that Economic Reasoning is being taught in California classrooms.

(*This workshop and the accompanying materials are made available to teachers through the generous support of State Farm and the Council for Economic Education.)

“Because of our continued work with Superintendents, Principals and District Administrators in California’s low and moderate income communities, CCEE has had no problems filling up our training sessions and many are overcommitted,” says Elle Charles, Director of Teacher Relations at CCEE.

About State Farm®:
State Farm and its affiliates is the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, they serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca/ .

About California Council on Economic Education:
For nearly a half-century, California Council on Economic Education, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to advancing the economic reasoning and financial literacy of Californians. CCEE prepares students to participate in the global economy by providing educational programs and materials to K-12 teachers. Information about professional development for teachers, workshops, programs and student contests can be found at http://www.ccee.org/ .

Photo Caption: Visit www.econworks.com, California Council on Economic Education’s online learning platform.

NEWS SOURCE: California Council on Economic Education :: This press release was issued on behalf of the “news source” by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope® – Copr. © 2013. Syndication source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/State-Farm-Grant-provides-Economics-and-Financial-Literacy-Training-to-Teachers-and-Students-in-California_2013-05-0515-005.shtml .

Regent SNAP is a web-based application that creates a real-time connection with prospective students, easing their way through the complicated, often confusing financial aid and application process. Hobsons’ solutions enable institutions to reach their enrollment objectives through expansion in both online and non-traditional learning environments.

Today’s prospective student faces multiple demands, such as family and work; expects instant access to information; and often bases matriculation decisions on financial parameters. With SNAP, prospective students can complete the entire aid application process in 15 minutes or less, and receive a digital award letter immediately.

Hobsons is helping institutions reach their enrollment objectives through expansion in both online and non-traditional learning environments. With instant access to information and the need to make quick and informed decisions, prospective students require increasingly personalized and effective communications. SNAP will augment Hobsons existing world-class offering, which combines a powerful mix of CRM technology and human interaction, by adding a real-time financial plan to allow prospective students to understand the true cost of his or her education, including an estimate of student loan payments upon graduation.

SNAP complements Hobsons’ existing offering, which combines a powerful mix of CRM technology and human interaction, by adding a real-time financial plan to allow prospective students to understand the true cost of his or her education, including an estimate of student loan payments upon graduation. This partnership will enable prospective students to complete the financial aid process via the web and create a personalized plan.

“In order for schools to better manage online and non-traditional learning environments, they need to move away from the traditional Standard Academic Year (SAY) and embrace a more flexible learner-based model,” says Maurice Shoe, President of Hobsons EMS. “Online and non-traditional students need the flexibility to learn at their own pace. As we partner with schools, we encourage them to consider Regent’s financial aid management solution, Regent 8, to help them better manage the challenges this new paradigm presents.”

“We are very excited to be partnered with an industry leader like Hobsons,” said Randy Jones, CEO of Regent Education. “Hobsons expertise in admissions and enrollment coupled with our SNAP and Regent 8 products will provide schools with unparalleled abilities to drive enrollment growth and effectively manage the admissions and financial aid process. Both organizations have been very successful in helping schools leverage the opportunities of non-term enrollment models, so this is a natural partnership.”

Hobsons and Regent will be working jointly with Mid-America Christian University (MACU). Hobsons will provide MACU with strategic enrollment and student service management functions as well as a full implementation of Regent’s SNAP solution. MACU will also implement Regent 8. The partnership leverages Hobsons’ successful enrollment management solutions and Regent’s unique abilities in non-term on-line financial aid processing.

“The decision by MACU to move to non-term enrollment offering is reflective of the shift that we are seeing across the country,” said Jones. “Schools are responding to the needs of their learners. Our partnership with Hobsons offers schools the opportunity to work with two organizations that truly understand both the challenges and the opportunities non-term and online enrollment models represent-and the ability to be successful.”

About Hobsons:
Hobsons helps educators, administrators, students, and families maximize success through every stage of the learning lifecycle. Hobsons’ personalized learning, academic planning, post-secondary enrollment, and student support solutions serve millions of students across more than 7,500 schools, colleges, and universities worldwide.

About Regent:
Regent Education is a leading provider of software solutions that have revolutionized financial aid management and enrollment processes for schools using BBAY and non-term enrollment models. Regent traces its beginnings to the founding of Computing Options, a student information system provider, in 1984. In 2006, a team of entrepreneurs incorporated Regent to acquire Computing Options as a platform for a standalone financial aid management system. Today, Regent 8, the eighth version of Regent’s financial aid management system is the only solution that provides end to end automation for non-term, nonstandard term, and standard academic years. Regent SNAP enables schools to provide estimated awards to prospective students in 15 minutes or less-a process that normally takes days or weeks.

Regent is a nationally recognized leader in results-driven enrollment optimization and financial aid management solutions-solutions that are web-based, easy-to-use, and inter-operate with any existing student information system. Regent offers software-as-a-solution (SaaS) tools that help institutions increase enrollment, improve retention, speed student processing, mitigate compliance risks and deliver bottom-line results.

Web site: http://www.regenteducation.com/ .

NEWS SOURCE: Regent Education :: This press release was issued on behalf of the “news source” by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Hobsons-and-Regent-Education-Partner-to-Streamline-Financial-Aid-Process-for-Growing-Non-Term-Populations_2013-05-0514-003.shtml .

“We recognized the opportunities moving to non-term enrollment represented for our institution, but our financial aid management system could not support our processing and compliance requirements,” said MACU President John Fozard. “Hobsons introduced us to Regent Education, and after viewing Regent 8 we knew immediately that this was the right solution for MACU.”

“Moving to a non-term enrollment model will enable us to meet our growth objectives, but most importantly it enables us to serve the changing needs of our students,” says Fozard. “By partnering with Regent Education we will be able to meet both our growth objectives and our service objectives.”

Regent 8 is changing the way institutions process financial aid, giving them revolutionary and intuitive tools to automate and manage every aspect of the financial aid life cycle-even for institutions with non-term, BBAY, and standard term models. Institutions have been hindered in their ability to offer non-term enrollment models due to limitations with their financial aid management systems. With Regent 8, schools now have an option that will allow them to offer the enrollment models that meet the needs of the institution-and the students they serve.

“In addition to the ability to serve all enrollment models, the automation Regent 8 delivers is driving efficiency and compliance to an entirely new level,” says Randy Jones, CEO of Regent Education. “Our customers are seeing their back office support needs being reduced by between 20 percent and 60 percent. Regent 8 and is setting a new standard for cost control, compliance, and service.”

MACU will also implement Regent’s SNAP product in partnership with Hobsons, a leader in post-secondary enrollment and student support solutions. SNAP will assist MACU in driving enrollment and further streamlining the financial aid process. “We are very enthusiastic about the level of automation we will have once we implement Regent 8 and SNAP,” says Christina Padilla, Director of Financial Aid for MACU. “Service to our students is at the center of everything we do, and with Regent’s solutions we are taking service to a whole new level.”

Regent Education is holding monthly webinars to demonstrate Regent 8 and SNAP. For more information visit their website at www.regenteduction.com .

About MACU:
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) offers a Christian liberal arts education through two dynamic colleges. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) offers undergraduate degrees to traditional and daytime commuting students at the main campus in Oklahoma City. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS) makes college education affordable and accessible to busy working adults and graduate students. Programs are offered online, at the main campus, and through the north OKC location. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (800) 621-7440.

Visit http://www.MACU.edu/ for additional information.

About Regent:
Regent Education is a leading provider of software solutions that have revolutionized financial aid management and enrollment processes for schools using BBAY and non-term enrollment models. Regent traces its beginnings to the founding of Computing Options, a student information system provider, in 1984. In 2006, a team of entrepreneurs incorporated Regent to acquire Computing Options as a platform for a standalone financial aid management system. Today, Regent 8, the eighth version of Regent’s financial aid management system is the only solution that provides end to end automation for non-term, nonstandard term, and standard academic years. Regent SNAP enables schools to provide estimated awards to prospective students in 15 minutes or less-a process that normally takes days or weeks.

Regent is a nationally recognized leader in results-driven enrollment optimization and financial aid management solutions-solutions that are web-based, easy-to-use, and inter-operate with any existing student information system. Regent offers software-as-a-solution (SaaS) tools that help institutions increase enrollment, improve retention, speed student processing, mitigate compliance risks and deliver bottom-line results. More information: http://www.regenteducation.com/ .

NEWS SOURCE: Regent Education :: This press release was issued on behalf of the “news source” by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Mid-America-Christian-University-selects-Regent-Education-s-Financial-Aid-Management-and-Enrollment-Optimization-Solutions_2013-05-0513-004.shtml .

“These songs will get children singing along with big smiles on their faces,” states Susan Nicoletti, Director of Operations for Goldenrod Music and Michael Brent Publications, the publishing companies that oversee Roberts’ songs. Titles in this collection include “The Polar Bear Song,” “Three Slow Snails,” “The Albuquerque Turkey,” and “Danny and Dinah, Two Pandas from China.”

Ruth Roberts had great success as a songwriter in many genres, but music for kids was one of her specialties as she created albums of children’s music for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Spring, Easter, Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, and April Fools.
“These songs are fun for everyone,” Nicoletti notes, adding that “parents can use them during car rides, at parties, or as a special treat. Young kids especially love learning and singing along with these funny, pun-filled songs. Plus, they are all G-Rated,” Nicoletti states, referencing her five years as a member of the ratings board for the Motion Picture Association of America.

ABOUT RUTH ROBERTS: The songs of Ruth Roberts are in pop, gospel, rock, blues, country, sports, and children’s genres. Sports fans know Roberts’ “Meet the Mets,” “It’s a Beautiful Day for a Ball Game,” and “Mr. Touchdown, USA.” Beatles fans know “Mailman Bring Me No More Blues” on the ‘Anthology 3′ album, but they may not realize that the song was written by Roberts.

Roberts penned love songs that hit the charts in recordings by such stars as Dean Martin, Debbie Reynolds, Theresa Brewer, Jimmy Dean, The McGuire Sisters, Patti Page, Vic Damone, Arthur Godfrey, Steve Allen and Eydie Gorme. Movie and TV viewers have heard Roberts’ songs in “Yes Man,” “The Benchwarmer,” “A Dirty Shame,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Seinfeld,” and the Conan O’Brien show.

Roberts’ children’s music career began when she worked with Bob Keeshan, TV’s Captain Kangaroo, and she soon excelled in the area of educational songs. “Teachers and educators can discover more about the many musicals written by Ruth Roberts for a K-through-grade-6 curriculum on the Ruth Roberts Music website,” states Nicoletti.

MORE INFORMATION: For more about Ruth Roberts and her music for kids, families, schools, and sports fans, please visit www.ruthrobertsmusic.com and for an interview with Susan Nicoletti, please contact John Scott G of G-Man Marketing.

MEDIA CONTACT
John Scott G
jsg @ gmanmarketing.com
818-223-8486

NEWS SOURCE: Ruth Roberts Music

As one of the fastest growing districts in Kansas, Olathe Public Schools currently supports over 29,000 students across 52 campuses in Johnson County – about 20 miles south of metropolitan Kansas City. Needing to replace an antiquated system, OPS researched the top national SIS providers and narrowed their selection to three via an extensive RFP and scripted demonstration process. After a three-day onsite solution demonstration, OPS surveyed all 85+ members of the selection committee and selected Edupoint as their unanimous choice.

“From a technology standpoint, Synergy SIS not only provides our district with technologically advanced out-of-the-box functionality, but also includes the ability to customize the solution and control the security parameters to meet our district needs,” says Rita Lyon, Executive Director of Technology for Olathe Public Schools. “Our teachers appreciate the mobility of the mobile application for the TeacherVUE Grade Book, and our district office benefits from the ability of Synergy to easily integrate with the state department interface used for state reporting. Edupoint’s innovative solutions are truly in touch with what parents, students, and teachers want to see in a student information system.”

In addition to the ParentVUE and StudentVUE modules that actively promote parent and home involvement, Olathe Public Schools will benefit from Synergy™ Technology ( www.Edupoint.com ) – a rapid application development environment that will empower the district’s IT staff to enhance and extend their Synergy solutions as well as integrate other enterprise applications.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Olathe Public Schools to the Edupoint family,” says Bob Weathers, Founder and CEO of Edupoint. “As we continue to grow throughout Kansas, it’s a true pleasure to partner with a district that routinely exceeds state proficiency standards. The integrated solutions of the Synergy Education Platform will help OPS continue this trend as they engage all stakeholders in the education process. We look forward to working closely with OPS and to continued success throughout the state.”

Olathe Public Schools will implement the Synergy modules in a phased roll-out, with the first solutions online in time for the start of the 2014 term.

About Edupoint Educational Systems:
For over thirty years, the leadership of Edupoint Educational Systems has been singularly focused on providing well designed, technologically advanced student information management systems that empower every K-12 stakeholder with the tools they need to do their part to help improve student achievement. The Synergy™ Education Platform begins with the strongest student information system in K-12 – Synergy™ SIS – leverages collaborative tools to improve communication, and delivers actionable information for instructional decisions at all levels.

These integrated solutions, including Synergy™ Special Education – a comprehensive special education data management system – are used by thousands of schools to manage over 2.5 million students nationwide. To learn more about Edupoint and Synergy solutions, visit http://www.Edupoint.com/ .

NEWS SOURCE: Edupoint Educational Systems :: This press release was issued on behalf of the “news source” by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Olathe-Public-Schools-Selects-Edupoint-s-Synergy-SIS-Solution_2013-05-0509-002.shtml .

Born to a family of eight, Candice has lived through foster care, homelessness, abuse and has recently become a single mother. With the dream of a career in nursing, Candice chose to leave her past behind and pursue a bright future. With help from the Workforce Investment Board’s year-round youth employment program, today she is on her way to becoming a registered nurse.

Candice’s story shares a common thread with the more than 400 Inland Empire youth bussed to Y4 from across the county. Like Candice, many Y4 participants face a lack of support and education. Unaware of the numerous opportunities and resources available, these hurdles often lead at-risk youth to settle for an unfulfilling, low-wage job.

Fortunately for Candice and many others, the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board’s year-round youth employment program provides career training and education. Y4 helps youth discover a passion and future career by delivering information about prospects after high school graduation. At the event, soft skills workshops, talks by Monster.com and regional business leaders, and inspirational presentations informed attendees about available jobs, training and education options.

In the “Where Are They Now” segment, participants heard from Candice and four other youth who have faced similar challenges and overcome the odds. These youth shared stories of rising above homelessness, abuse, and depression to secure training, start careers, and even purchase a car or rent a first apartment. Each discussed how this was possible with hard work and resources provided by the year-round youth employment program.

Candice shared, “Throughout the program, I could see how my skills were being built. I learned how to dress professionally, how to talk to people, and how to build my resume. It helped me get a start. I wanted to be a registered nurse, but I didn’t have the money.” She continued, “The County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board gave me the chance to join a certified nursing program that has helped me get on the career path to being a registered nurse.”

Included in the event was a presentation of the song “I Am” written by California singer/songwriter duo, Juliet & Easy, specifically for Y4. The song was inspired by the experiences of six Y4 participants and can be downloaded at www.myiamsong.com.

Workforce Investment Board Vice Chair Tony Myrell inspired the youth in attendance with his story. He built his company, Premier Ambulance Transportation, from scratch and now employs more than 220 people. “Through hard work and persistence, anyone can create an opportunity for themselves to be successful,” he said. His personal mantra “if it is to be, it is up to me,” inspired several students to thank him after he spoke.

Another highlight of Y4 was a job and resource fair for attending youth. Industry professionals were on hand to offer career advice and answers for interested youth. Attending employers included SMS Security, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Allied Barton Security Service, California Steel Industries, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Ontario Airport, Childcare Careers, Monster.com, County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board and Premier Medical Transportation.

After the job fair, students gathered for a final address and then boarded buses to return home. Many left with a fresh perspective and hope for the future. They echoed Candice’s sentiments, “It’s hard for me because I’m a single mom. But I’m going to make it because I know I always have Workforce Investment Board’s support and I know that I’m equipped with the skills I need to find and keep a job.”

About the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County (WIB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The Workforce Investment Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

Employers and job seekers who are interested in the Workforce Investment Board programs may call: (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.csb-win.org. Also follow us on Twitter @InlandEmpireJob; and YouTube http://www.youtube.com/SBWIB.

NEWS SOURCE: San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board :: This press release was issued on behalf of the “news source” by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Workforce-Investment-Board-of-San-Bernardino-County-Points-Youth-to-a-Bright-Future-at-Y4_2013-05-0502-007.shtml .

Thursday, May 16, from 2 – 4 p.m. EDT – “Top 5 Reasons Your Clients are Moving to the Cloud” featuring industry thought leader Taylor Macdonald, Intaact Vice President and Philip Massey CPA, founder Massey Consulting.

This presentation will provide CPAs with an insider’s view on how companies they serve are tapping cloud technology to support and accelerate business growth as well as CPE credit.

There is no cost for attending the webcast, but attendees need to register at: www.masseyconsulting.net/webinars/.

Topics covered will include how cloud-based accounting allows accountants to:
* Create rich, multi-dimensional reports within the system eliminating the need for spreadsheets or separate report writing tools.
* Manage multiple entities, locations, charts of accounts, and currencies.
* Ensure secure, multiple access to the system with sophisticate permissions, approvals, and financial controls.
* Save time and eliminate manual processes with automated procure-to-pay and order-to-cash processes.
* Provide real-time management reports with easy-to-create dashboards.

“The number one inquiry we receive from CFOs looking for ways to improve business operations is ‘What would we gain by moving to the cloud?’ and this session is designed to answer that question,” said Philip Massey CPA. “We’re very excited to having Taylor Macdonald as a presenter. He’s a highly sought after speaker, industry leader and key executive within Intacct.”

Among his long list of accomplishments Accounting Today has named Macdonald one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in the accounting profession.

The series continues in June with presentation from author and management consultant Eric Rabinowitz on “Nurture Marketing for CPA Firm” on June 20, 2013. At the end of this session, five participants will have an opportunity to receive a free autographed copy of Rabinowitz’s book “101 Business Love Letters.” Those interested in attending may register at http://www.masseyconsulting.net/webinars/.

About Massey Consulting:
Massey Consulting, based in Raleigh, N.C., specializes in accounting software consulting, selection, implementation, integration and support for Intacct Financial Accounting and Microsoft Dynamics GP. Massey Consulting’s team of consultants provides customers a wealth of practical field experience gained as controllers, accountants, and information systems professionals in a wide range of business environments. More information: http://www.masseyconsulting.net .

NEWS SOURCE: Massey Consulting :: This press release was issued on behalf of the “news source” by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Massey-Consulting-Webcast-Series-Will-Feature-Taylor-Macdonald-of-Intacct_2013-04-0430-002.shtml .

The second place award went to Media Academy of San Rafael’s High School students: Deny Cruz, Christian Garcia, Erik Rodas and Morgan Russell led by instructor Jeannine Thurston.

Rio Americano High School of Sacramento, Calif. placed third, with the winning team: Mondana Koshfam, Max Hayden, Victoria Quach and Colin Savage led by instructor, Allie Armstrong.

The annual contest rewards mastery of understanding of the proper use of credit cards, credit scores and the banking system to become financially successful. Students uploaded their videos in which they present their understanding of Human Capital, Scarcity and Skills they have learned to make better financial decisions. Based on the international, award-winning web based program, the MoneyWise Teen Contest involves students of all skill and knowledge levels, connects creative students with economics and personal finance and helps students become college and career ready.

The San Rafael teams competed against 33 other high schools and hundreds of students across Northern California. Instructor Abigail Shapiro and the students were awarded cash prizes as were the 2nd and 3rd place teams. “I will continue to use CCEE materials with my students for years to come. Our school created 15 videos for the contest, it was difficult to choose which video to submit,” said Ms. Shapiro.

The contest, co-sponsored by Franklin Templeton Investments, Bay Area Financial Education Foundation, US Bank San Francisco and California Council on Economic Education (CCEE), is the largest such competition in California. Wynne Lum, Senior Vice President Bank of America; Linda Wendel, Head of Community Relation Franklin Templeton and Navdeep Sood, Vice President State Bank of India, CA served as judges at this year’s event.

“We are delighted to be able to work with the Federal Reserve Bank to bring this contest to Northern California and we are grateful to our sponsors for their support for our students,” said Jim Charkins, Executive Director, California Council on Economic Education (CCEE). “The need for programs such as the MoneyWise Teen is obvious and CCEE is happy to present this opportunity to our Northern California high school students and teachers.”

The competition is part of CCEE’s many efforts and activities to celebrate April as Financial Literacy Month by bringing together financial literacy advocates and recognizing students’ achievements.

About the California Council on Economic Education:
The California Council on Economic Education (CCEE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the economic reasoning and financial literacy of California students. CCEE’s focus is preparing students to participate in the global economy by providing educational programs and materials to K-12 teachers. More information about CCEE’s professional development workshops, programs and student contests can be found at http://www.ccee.org/ .

YouTube video: http://youtu.be/2ePYBsmwBjc .

* PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/13-0424-ccec_72dpi.jpg
* Photo Caption: Rebecca Brown, Frances Casey, Natasha Sharp, Roslyn Yeager, Jim Charkins.

NEWS SOURCE: California Council on Economic Education :: This press release was issued on behalf of the “news source” by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source of this news item: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/Two-San-Rafael-High-Schools-Win-First-and-Second-Place-in-2013-Northern-California-Financial-Literacy-MoneyWise-Teen-Contest_2013-04-0424-005.shtml .

This grant will assist CPEP with promoting its mission of serving as a catalyst to significantly change underrepresented students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to the pursuit of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers through innovative out-of-school programs. In addition, with 2013 marking CPEP’s 25th anniversary, this grant will showcase CPEP’s anniversary celebrations, including its 25th Anniversary Gala on October 26, 2013.

“We are thrilled to be selected by Neotrope to receive this grant. In addition to the ability to showcase our programs and accomplishments, this partnership gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate our 25th anniversary in a way that would not otherwise be possible,” said CPEP CEO Bruce Dixon. “This opportunity provides us with an opportunity to position our organization for the next 25 years.”

Through a variety of programs, CPEP has engaged more than 25,000 underserved and underrepresented students in STEM education over the past 25 years. Many of these students have since graduated high school, pursued STEM education in college and are now successful employees in STEM careers. Ultimately, CPEP has successfully diversified the STEM workforce as a result of its innovative and engaging programs.

As part of this in-kind grant program, Neotrope(R) is providing public relations (PR) solutions, news dissemination (through its Send2Press(R) Newswire service), online advertising, and social media marketing for CPEP. This program is intended to help raise awareness of the 501(c)3 non-profit to traditional media, to the public, as well as potential sponsors and donors, regarding their efforts in the promotion of and engagement in STEM education. CPEP’s goals are to broaden awareness about CPEP’s programs, accomplishments and fundraising efforts.

“With Neotrope’s assistance, we are hoping to engage new and innovative audiences with us,” said Dixon. “Neotrope’s experience and reach combined with our mission and message will help us achieve our vision.”

“We’re honored to be providing assistance to the CPEP, in both sharing their successes and recognizing this milestone year,” said Neotrope CEO, Christopher Laird Simmons; a member of PRSA and ASCAP. “CPEP is proactively working to inspire and prepare students in all economic classes throughout the U.S., to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. As someone who grew up inspired by technology, and with PhD and math degrees running rampant in our household, I know the value of getting the right nudge to look at tech as being fun and accept the challenges that come with that pursuit.”

About Catalysts Powering Educational Performance (CPEP):
In 1986, a group of engineers, college faculty and secondary educators created an innovative out-of-school program designed to inspire and prepare underrepresented and underserved students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. Launched in one school with 40 students, CPEP is now in 11 school districts, 42 schools and directly impacting 1,500 students annually across Connecticut.

CPEP serves as a catalyst to change underrepresented and underserved students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward the pursuit of STEM education and careers. Results indicate there is a consistent 60 percent increase in the percentage of students who desire to pursue a STEM career after just one CPEP experience and 90 percent of CPEP students report acceptance into college.

CPEP has won several awards recognizing the organization for its achievements and accomplishments, including the Turbo Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management by the Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Connecticut, the Golden Torch Award from the National Society of Black Engineers, the Presidential Award from the National Science Foundation for its Mentor Program in the New Haven Public Schools, and the 21st Century Solutions Award by NBCUniversal Foundation.

With 2013 marking its 25th anniversary, CPEP seeks to leverage its accomplishments to continue to grow and position CPEP to impact the workforce of the 21st century.

For more information about CPEP, located at 211 South Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457, visit http://www.cpep.org/ or contact via email at dixonb@cpep.org or call 860-638-1220.

About Neotrope:
Since 1983 Neotrope(R) has delivered services to raise organization awareness including brand identity, marketing, public relations (PR), and SEO services. Neotrope is also an entertainment publishing company involved in books, music, software, and online magazines. The company pioneered the concept of search optimization of press release content back in 1997 and has been at the forefront of many communication and technology movements for three decades. Neotrope was an Inc. 5000 company in 2009. More information: http://www.Neotrope.com/ .

About the Non-Profit PR Grants:
The Non-Profit PR Grants program was originally launched in 2000 to help assist U.S. 501(c)3 worthy causes to raise awareness, attract halo sponsors, and better connect with donors and volunteers.

For 2013, the Grant has been named after the company co-founder, the late Dr. J.L. Simmons, PhD, who passed away in April of 2003. Henceforth the Neotrope PR Grant(s) will be known as the “J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant.”

With this grant program, Neotrope has been honored to help many worthy causes in past years, including Camp Blue Skies, Children Awaiting Parents, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Girls Write Now, Move for Hunger, The Native Voices Foundation, The Pacific Pinball Museum, The Bob Moog Foundation, Special Equestrians, Starlight Children’s Foundation, World Savvy, and dozens more.

Additional information regarding the Neotrope 2013 J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant program for U.S. charitable non-profits and grant recipients can be found at: http://send2press.com/non-profit/ and also http://prgrants.com/ .

About Send2Press:
Send2Press(R) (a service of Neotrope) offers best-in-class affordable Direct-to-Editors(TM) news distribution to working print and broadcast media, to social media, with high visibility in search engines using proprietary Neotrope ContextEngine(TM) technology. Send2Press is unique because it was the first online newswire service with staff entirely comprised of accredited public relations professionals, published authors, working journalists, and marketing experts. The service was spun-off of Neotrope’s traditional PR services in 1999. Learn more about Send2Press at http://www.Send2Press.com/ .

NEWS SOURCE: Catalysts Powering Educational Performance :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. Original source: http://www.send2press.com/newswire/CPEP-Receives-Neotrope-Non-Profit-PR-Grant-Award-for-2013_2013-04-0418-002.shtml.