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By Shefali Billon, Marketing and Communications Director Innovation, technology and inspiration were a buzz among educators, exhibitors and the community at the ISTE 2014 conference that just took place in Atlanta, Georgia. BizWorld.org was offered the opportunity to partner with ISTE for the fourth year in a row. With over 16,000 attendees from 67 countries, we announced to the education community our partnership with GoAnimate, the leading cloud-based animated video production platform, as the video production tool to power our BizMovie® 2.0 program. BizMovie 2.0 is a fun, project-based and innovative program that teaches kids about finance and business through building and running movie production companies. Schools that purchase BizMovie 2.0 receive a one year subscription to GoAnimate for Schools as well. We also had an opportunity to present how to make quality movies in the classroom and explore technology during our poster session at ISTE. We talked to all the attendees and answered questions about how kids gain real-world experience by learning how the entrepreneurial cycle works in a business while gaining hands-on technology experience. It was great to see so many teachers inquiring about how GoAnimate’s video production tool works and see live demos. Thanks again to ISTE for including BizWorld.org and GoAnimate at this year’s conference and for their continued partnership with us!

Nearly 300 business leaders throughout California came to the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco last Thursday evening, April 10, to support BizWorld.org and honor Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, executive chairman of Qualcomm Incorporated, at our third annual awards dinner. Twice a year BizWorld.org comes together to celebrate the impact our programs are having in kids’ lives around the world and honor one of today’s innovative leaders who serve as role models to children. The evening kicked off with guests networking at a cocktail reception. We also asked some of the business leaders in attendance to give today’s kids/tomorrow’s entrepreneurs some business tips. We captured those tips on video, which you can check out here on our Facebook and Instagram. Guests then came to the ballroom for the dinner program and were welcomed by the night’s emcee, KTVU reporter and co-anchor Heather Holmes. BizWorld.org CEO Thais Rezende gave a keynote address, impressing the crowd with BizWorld.org’s accomplishments and goals for the future. She also announced a partnership with GoAnimate, which is providing the online animation platform for the new BizMovie® 2.0 program. A fun highlight of the evening was the animated video from GoAnimate announcing their partnership with BizWorld.org. You can watch that video here and find out more about BizMovie 2.0 by watching this video. Thais also introduced the teachers and students who are featured in the BizMovie video and were attending the event. They were thrilled to be able to participate and have their photo taken with Dr. Jacobs! Event chair and CEO of Tibco, Vivek Ranadivé presented BizWorld.org’s Education Innovator Award to Dr. Paul Jacobs. Vivek gave a personal, heartwarming speech about Dr. Jacobs, talking about their early days together at Qualcomm as well as how they came to be co-owners of the Sacramento Kings NBA team. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Jacobs talked about the importance of kids learning technology at an early age and mentioned that “there are more cell phones in the world today than toothbrushes!” The evening wrapped up with a raffle for a beautiful diamond necklace worth $5,000 donated by BizWorld.org board member Stephen Silver of Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry. We’d like to thank everyone who attended the event, as well as the sponsors who made the event possible.

By Kara Brown, Education Manager “The most important thing I learned from BizWorld was how to spend money wisely.” These words of wisdom came from a 6th grade student in Anaheim, CA. As a former middle school teacher, I can tell you that most of the sixth graders I interacted with were much more concerned with Justin Bieber or the latest YouTube video sensation than finance. Maybe that’s because kids are constantly bombarded with a ton of different information and images about money and consumerism. However, very little of that information revolves around how to handle money responsibly. Many kids are growing up without being given the opportunity to learn about money, business, and the world of finance in their daily lives, let alone in the classroom. With the economic troubles that have come to light in the past few years, many people – both inside and outside of the classroom – have realized how vital it is to teach kids these skills. Last year, President Obama debuted the Money as you Grow campaign to promote financial literacy. Increasingly, the financial know-how and entrepreneurial spirit are being celebrated. Anyone remember Caine’s Arcade, the Internet sensation from 2012? These examples illustrate just how important it is make financial education a priority. Financial literacy standards, written by the Council for Economic Education, show what our students need most in order to have a well-rounded financial education, and they cover everything from saving and using credit to making wise investment choices. One of our goals here at BizWorld.org is to make sure our programs teach financial concepts in a FUN, yet comprehensive manner. In BizWorld – our flagship program – students work in teams to start, fund, and run their own friendship bracelet companies. Kids that participate in our programs don’t just practice leadership and teamwork skills; they learn the financial nitty gritty details that I wish I had learned as a kid. Words like profit, revenue, bank loan, and stock come up constantly in the students’ daily discussions about their business. Not only are 10 and 11 year olds using these terms, they’re actually showing they understand the concepts as they budget for their company’s expenses and create a successful business. Part of creating that successful business means raising start up funding for their company. In BizWorld, all students have the chance to pitch their business plan to an investor so they may sell shares of stock for cash. During the pitch, students put their negotiation skills to the test as they go back and forth deciding how many shares of stock to sell and for how much. As we’ve seen from shows like Shark Tank, this can be an intimidating and tricky situation to maneuver. I know that I would certainly be nervous when pitching to a potential investor! Yet time and again, I watch fifth graders enter a room confidently, shake hands with the investor, and speak clearly as they make a case for the amount their stock is worth based on their expenses and projected revenue. Once students have secured their start up funding, they shop for their supplies. Students really show off their financial savvy when they decide how much raw material to buy, whether to purchase in bulk or wholesale, and when they should just save their money. Hearing students prioritize and use critical thinking skills in regards to money is refreshing…and, it’s a life skill. So, in honor of Financial Literacy Month, I encourage all of you out there to bring some financial knowledge to your classroom! After all, how many of us can say we made it to adulthood and thought, I really wish I’d had less instruction on finance. Learn more about how BizWorld.org programs align to financial literacy standards!

In honor of The BizWorld Foundation’s Financial Literacy 4.0 Campaign, education superhero Brian Page shared with us his tips & tools for teaching financial literacy. Read on to learn Brian’s advice, strategies, and what he considers a memorable teaching moment. Thanks Brian! Q. You have been recognized as a Money magazine and CNN Money Hero and Milken National Educator Recipient, so you’re obviously a great teacher. What advice can you give to teachers who are new to teaching financial education? A. I have three key tips for new teachers: 1. There are a tremendous amount of resources available for us to use in the classroom. I encourage educators to find the right resources for them, and for each particular lesson. Here is a great place to start. 2. I think it’s important to remember that it is not our role to tell students what to do with their money. Our responsibility is to empower our students with the tools and resources they need to make wise and informed financial choices based on their own values and financial goals. 3. Our responsibility is to develop financially capable students. This means we need to bridge content with behavior. Gauging our success based solely on a test score is not appropriate; a more appropriate way to measure success is by the amount of students who return to school after graduation to tell us they have made wise financial choices (for example, setting up a split deposit into savings, retirement, and checking, or effectively building their credit scores). It’s responsible financial behavior we are seeking, not just scores on a bubble test. Brian, as photographed for his contribution to CNN Money. Q. For teachers who do not teach only financial education (i.e., elementary school teachers), how do you recommend they fit finance lessons in with their current curriculum? A. I was very fortunate to be asked to be a member of the working committee for the President’s Advisory Committee on Financial Capability. Our committee selected from existing websites, texts, news reports, and research straightforward and practical information plainly presented in an age-appropriate manner that English teachers and Math teachers can integrate into their lessons, aligned with the Common Core State Standards. The content is being particularly written around “11 big ideas” that drive the personal finance effort. The guiding concepts: Compound interest, which leads to discussion of saving Opportunity cost, which leads to smart decision making Value of education, which leads to wise choices about finding a college and paying for it Risk, which leads to discussion of diversification and insurance What money is, which leads to understanding what it can and cannot buy Time value of money, which leads to more informed purchasing, investing and planning Cost/benefit analysis, which leads to better decision making Setting Goals, which leads to desired outcomes Delayed gratification, which leads to the ability to consume more in the future Scarcity, which leads to acknowledging limitations and making choices Inflation, which leads to discussion of how to mitigate its effects on saving and investment My suggestion would be to visit www.moneyasyoulearn.org in the coming months to download turnkey resources that can be easily integrated into the classroom. Q. You’re also an advocate for educational technology. What are some of your favorite tech resources and tools that support classroom lesson planning and research on financial literacy? A. I love game based learning. Here are my 30 favorite financial education games. I particularly like using video clips to introduce topics as well. My two favorites are: Bill Cosby on Budgeting, and the Marshmallow Study. Brian also did a wonderful article with our friends at Edutopia about his favorite games to teach financial literacy. Read all about it here. Q. Please share a memorable moment from the classroom that illustrates the value of bringing financial education to today’s youth. A. Anytime a student can demonstrate to me they made a wise financial choice, it’s memorable. For example, I will never stop being excited when I hear a student tell me that they set up a direct deposit at work, or they finally understood how to complete their W4, or they are actively using their mobile banking app on their phone. These are the moments that constantly confirm how teaching financial literacy can truly change lives. Follow along with Brian on his blog, and read his first post with us here. If you would like to bring BizWorld curriculum ( which teaches the basics of entrepreneurship, business and finance) to a classroom for only the cost of shipping, click here. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook! -Your Friends at The BizWorld Foundation

Congratulations to the BizWorld Challenge Winners Roosevelt Elementary! The BizWorld Foundation held an inaugural BizWorld Challenge competition where four Silicon Valley elementary schools put their real world business skills to the test. Students from Harker School, Woodside Elementary, North Star Academy, and Roosevelt Elementary worked in teams to turn around a failing company. Assuming the roles of business executives, they designed, manufactured, marketed, and sold original products. Throughout the process, teams were judged and guided by the expertise of Silicon Valley business leaders from companies like Google, Oracle, Salesforce, and Blackrock – to name a few. A special thank you to all of the parents, educators, and industry executives who volunteered their time to ensure the success of this event.

The BizWorld Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Draper University! The brainchild of BizWorld Founder Tim Draper, Draper University is a world-class boarding school: students aged 18-26 participate in an 8 week program designed to promote creativity, innovation, leadership and teamwork. Students build networks of friends, have the opportunity to be mentored by and meet some of the greatest minds in Silicon Valley, and develop their own businesses. The aim of Draper University is to create more heroes: to light the fire of innovation and entrepreneurship in youth, and change the world in the process. The BizWorld Foundation couldn’t be happier to witness the launch of Draper U. BizWorld’s aim is to reach young minds at a critical cognitive stage, and plant the seeds of entrepreneurship and innovation. Yet these qualities must be nurtured in all stages of growth, and Draper U joins BizWorld in providing a solution to the gaps in our current education system. Together, we can work to ensure our students are supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential as they mature into powerful thought leaders and world-changing innovators. To learn more about Draper University, visit their website and follow along with their launch on Facebook and Twitter. Draper University is still taking applications for their summer session, to apply And don’t forget to like BizWorld on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! -Your Friends at The BizWorld Foundation

BizWorld.org was proud to host one of our local Bay Area 4th grade classes at a 2-day camp at Chevron headquarters in San Ramon, California. BizWorld.org camps introduce the BizWorld program to students in a business setting. The corporate atmosphere of Chevron and presence of their wonderful employees inspired the students to thrive in their roles as mini-executives. The students learned about 21st century skills of entrepreneurship, financial management, teamwork and leadership while putting into practice their math and reading skills to make their companies a success! Chevron employees were able to give back to their community and serve as mentors to the students. In the pictures you can see Chevron employees helping the students as “company advisors”. Many of the Chevron employees were able to fulfill the role of “shoppers” in the Sales Bazaar at the conclusion of the camp. Thank you to Chevron for your support and involvement in such a wonderful event! The teacher and students had some thoughts to share with us as well: Sherri W., a 4th grade teacher from California wrote: “My students are learning so much about finance and business—real world applications of math, with collaboration opportunities that are all embedded in our Common Core Standards. One of students who struggle with learning was chosen to be the CEO of her company. She had to pitch an idea and present it to the professionals at Chevron, who were acting as consultants for our students. She was so impressive; it brought tears to my eyes.” “Simulations are my favorite way to teach students, and I know memories of working as a team to plan how they would pitch their business to venture capitalist or decide whether they should borrow money to start their bracelet companies, coming up with names and logos, and keeping track of expenses will follow them for many years to come.” Student Quotes “Dear Chevron, You guys rock! I had the best time ever! You guys had the best hospitality. The food was awesome! You guys are awesome! I learned so much from you. Thank you so much for taking time out of your work to teach us about businesses. There were so many consultants there to help us. My dad always says stuff about profit…I never knew what he meant. Now I finally understand him. And you know what; I think I’ll start a business of my own. From, Lahith” “Dear BizWorld, Thank you for teaching us about making your own business. I learned that you have to work together to make a company. I enjoy learning about it. I would like to thank all the consultants. They did a wonderful job helping us. You rock! P.S. I learned that you always have to write in your ledger. Thanks, Zoe” “Dear BizWorld, Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity! It helped me learn a lot more about business. I had so much fun making bracelets. I also had a great time selling them to the people who work at Chevron. You helped me so much by teaching me about revenues, profits, expenses and lots more. I never knew you had to keep track of the money you earn and spend. It’s much harder than I thought. Thank you again so much! From, Maya”

The BizWorld Foundation is thrilled to share the success of our annual Awards Dinner: Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow! This year’s event honored John Hennessy (President of Stanford) for Education Innovation and John Watson (CEO of Chevron) for Corporate Excellence. The night was hugely successful, with supporters new and old engaging with The BizWorld Foundation’s mission, helping the Foundation ensure that every child receives the education he or she needs to succeed. From left to right: John Watson, John Hennessy, Catherine Hutton Markwell and Honorary Dinner Chair Michael Loughlin. Catherine Hutton Markwell, CEO of The BizWorld Foundation, was moved by the support of the audience. “The BizWorld Foundation believes that real solutions exist for the gaps in education our students face. The support we’ve experienced tonight is both exciting and encouraging; working together, we have the power to change lives and inspire the leaders of tomorrow!” If you would also like to be part of the solution, donating is only a click away. To learn more about The BizWorld Foundation, please visit our website here. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook! -Your Friends at The BizWorld Foundation