The Virginia Jump$tart Coalition is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization representing more than 100 individuals and organizations in business, government, association/nonprofit and education who have joined together to improve the financial literacy of Virginians.

Virginia Jump$tart Coalition Wins "2008 State Coalition of the Year" National Award

The Virginia Jump$tart Coalition was honored by the national Jump$tart Coalition for its financial education efforts across the Commonwealth, being named the "2008 State Coalition of the Year." The award was presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 9, recognizing the financial literacy contributions of individuals, organizations and legislators across the nation. Virginia Jump$tart would like to congratulate and thank our numerous members and supporters for all your efforts that have contributed to our success! For more information, view the press release for the award in the "Press Room" section of the Web site.

Next Virginia Jump$tart membership meeting set for April 22, 2008 / Includes educational session on subprime mortgage crisis!

The next membership meeting of the Virginia Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2008, 1-3 p.m., at the offices of Virginia Society of CPAs (4309 Cox Road, Richmond, Va.) In addition to our quarterly member update, Virginia Jump$tart will provide a one-hour, lively discussion on the subprime mortgage crisis at this meeting as well as announce the national and Virginia results of the 2008 Survey of Personal Financial Literacy Among High School Students. The subprime mortgage crisis continues to impact Virginians and all Americans. At the April meeting, Michele Watson of the Virginia Housing Development Authority will share information on this important issue, including how we got to where we are, the current status of Virginia and national mortgage and real estate markets, what steps are being taken to address problems and prevent them in the future, and more.

If you plan to attend the meeting, please register online or call (804) 270-5344 no later than Friday, April 18, 2008. Mark your calendar for the remaining membership meetings for 2008: July 22 and September 30.

2007 Virginia Financial Literacy Summit a big success!

The Virginia Jump$tart Coalition held the 2007 Virginia Financial Literacy Summit on October 17 at the downtown Richmond Marriott. The event was a HUGE success! The high-profile Summit brought together 300 of Virginia's high school administrators and teachers as well as the state's leading proponents of financial literacy to discuss the importance of financial education, get hands on training, hear best practices and learn about available resources. THANK YOU to our supporters: Capital One, Citigroup, Wachovia Foundation, Virginia Society of CPAs and its Educational Foundation, Virginia Credit Union League, State Department Federal Credit Union and Scott & Stringfellow.

Couldn't attend the event? Click here to review and download the agenda, presentations and other materials. The press release for the event is available in the "Press Room" section of the Web site.

Next Virginia Jump$tart membership meeting set for January 22, 2008 / Includes Member Networking & Spotlights!

The next membership meeting of the Virginia Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2008, 1-3 p.m., at the offices of Virginia Society of CPAs (4309 Cox Road, Richmond, Va.) In addition to our quarterly member update, Virginia Jump$tart will provide an opportunity for members to network and learn more about programs/resources of 3-4 organizations. If you plan to attend the meeting, please RSVP via e-mail to communications@vscpa.com or call (804) 270-5344 no later than Friday, January 18, 2008. Mark your calendar for the remaining membership meetings for 2008: April 22, July 22 and September 30.

Virginia's High School Seniors Receive Failing Score in Financial Literacy

2006 Jump$tart Survey Examines Money Management Knowledge

The 2006 Jump$tart Coalition Survey of Financial Literacy Among High School Students reveals that Virginia seniors know little about savings, debt, credit cards, retirement and other personal finance basics. On average, Virginia students answered 55 percent of the questions correctly, which is higher than the national average of 52.4 percent, but still a failing grade based upon the typical scale used by schools. The national average of 52.4 is up slightly from 52.3 percent in 2004, 50.2 percent in 2002 and 50.9 in 2000. Visit our Press Room for more information.

The Virginia Jump$tart Coalition is a proud affiliate of the National Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. The National Jump$tart Coalition, based in Washington, D.C., was first convened in 1995 and consists of over 200 organizations committed to improving the financial literacy of America's youth. For more information, visit their Web site at www.jumpstart.org.