Better Business Bureau

LifeSmarts - The Ultimate Consumer Challenge!

LifeSmarts is an educational program that develops the consumer and marketplace skills of teenagers in a fun way and rewards them for this knowledge. The program complements curriculum in high schools and can be used as an activity for classes, groups, clubs, and community organizations.

LifeSmarts competitions are run in a game show style and open to all teens in the U.S. in grades nine though 12. Teams of teens compete online and in state matches, with the state winners going to the national competition to vie for the LifeSmarts championship title. The national championship is held in different cities across the U.S., providing teens and coaches an opportunity to see and learn about different areas of the country.

LifeSmarts is a flexible classroom or group activity that teaches teens to be smart and responsible consumers and citizens. The content and competition questions focus on five key areas of consumer knowledge that teens need to know to function effectively in today's marketplace.

LifeSmarts participants learn about:

Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

Participants gain more than information and knowledge. They develop teamwork skills, self-esteem, verbal communication skills, and leadership abilities - and have fun in the process. LifeSmarts helps teens become better decision-makers and savvier consumers. It makes them aware of their rights and responsibilities as consumers, teaches them how to spot and avoid scams, helps them understand nutritional and other health information, and much more. Because many teens begin working during high school, LifeSmarts helps them understand workplace protections, too.

Sponsorships

The National Consumers League, a national nonprofit organization that identifies, protects, represents, and advances the economic and social interests of consumers and works through education and advocacy, is the national operator of the LifeSmarts program. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota operates the Minnesota competition. The BBB feels strongly that high school students should not incur costs to participate in this program. If the program is free of charge, it will open up the competition to all students, regardless of income. The BBB is looking for companies or individuals who are willing to be sponsors for our state program. Here are some ways you can contribute:

Make a cash donation to the Minnesota program.

Provide prizes for the student competitors. For example, you could offer pens, pencils, mouse pads, cups, etc., imprinted with your company's logo. Or give gift certificates to your place of business.

Supply the competitors with soft drinks, water and juice for the day of the competition.

Sponsor one student to go to the national competition in San Francisco in April (plane fare, meals and lodging).

Help defer the BBB's rental costs for the state competition location.

Volunteer to be a quiz master or a judge for the state competition.

All sponsors will be recognized in the following ways:

Your company name will be listed in the BBB's newsletter distributed to over 6000 companies in Minnesota.

Your company name will be listed on signage at state and national competitions.

We hope that you will take part in this very important and very fun competition! If you have any questions about the program, or would like to be a sponsor or volunteer, please call Barb Grieman at 651-695-2459 or 1-888-646-6222 or go to www.lifesmarts.org.