Upcoming Events

Fall 2013

October 4, 2013
*NEW* Learning, Earning, and Investing for a New Generation
Interest rates are at record lows and the financial markets are at an all-time high. Where can investors look to put their money? How do they get started? How can they protect themselves and their investments? The theme of this year's conference is "How to Build Wealth in Today's Economy." The conference will showcase the exciting new curriculum Learning, Earning, and Investing for a New Generation and its companion website Gen i Revolution. Guest speakers from industry, education, and government will present new technologies for teaching students and clients how to save and build wealth. The latest interactive learning platform, EverFi - Financial Literacy™, will be showcased. Also learn about new resources related to investment fraud and the role of the IL State Securities Department. Conference participants will receive *FREE* the LEIG curriculum, along with numerous hands-on activities and technologies to take back to their students and clients. For more information.

Fall 2012

August 1 - November, 2012
2012-2013 iOMe Challenge - Engaging Young People in their Financial Future!
The iOme Challenge is a national effort to engage young people to think about their financial future. After three highly successful years, iOMe has launched its 2012-2013 Challenge. This year's Challenge asks students to serve as the President-Elect’s Council of Economic Advisors and create a policy proposal that creates incentives and removes barriers to financial savings for the Millennial Generation. The Challenge consists of two components; an essay and a video that illustrates the key elements of the essay. The essay is due October 31 and the video is due November 21.

The top prize is $10,000 to the winning student team and $2,000 to that team’s faculty advisor. The winning team may also be invited to Washington, D.C. to present their entry to Members of Congress, policymakers and other notables interested in this policy issue. There will also be honorable mention prizes of $2,500 for teams and their faculty advisors ($2,000 for teams, $500 for faculty advisors). Learn more about the Challenge.

Note: U of I CEFE is a partner of the iOME Challenge and a member of its panel of Blue Ribbon Judges.

September 26, 2012 (3:00-3:30pm EDT)
WEBINAR: Election Economics and EconEdLink
NEW THIS FALL! The Council for Economic Education (CEE) is offering a webinar to assist educators in teaching the economics of elections during the 2012 election season. Educators will receive 5 free lessons. The lessons are hosted on EconEdLink.org. They include PowerPoint presentations with visuals. The webinar will focus on how to use these lessons and other online resources to teach the economics of elections. The webinar will last approximately 30 minutes. Click here to register.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Council for Economic Education network.

September 12 - October 2, 2012
CEE VIDEO CONTEST: "What Should the Next President do to Improve the Economy?"
We want to hear from our nation’s students! This election season the Council for Econoimc Education (CEE) is holding a video contest asking students in grades K-12, via their teachers, for the best economic advice they can give our next President. Teachers will record one student, or a group of students, answering the question "What Should the Next President do to Improve the Economy?" One winner will be chosen by CEE Facebook fans ("Viewers' Choice") and at least one winner will be chosen by one or more economists selected as judges by CEE ("Economists' Choice"). Prizes include a $500 American Express gift card for each teacher winner, and $25 iTunes gift cards for the student(s) featured in the winning videos. Enter the contest today!

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Council for Economic Education network.

October 5 - 6, 2012
51st Annual Financial Literacy and Economic Education Conference
The Council for Economic Education’s Conference is a nationwide annual gathering of educators including K-12 teachers, college and university professors and Federal Reserve partners. In 2011 more than 400 top economic educators and industry thought-leaders attended, including 140 classroom teachers from 33 states. The conference features a diverse selection of presentations, workshops and events to enable educators to raise the levels of economic and financial literacy among K-12 students. It also features the latest in curriculum development, instructional materials, teaching strategies, new programs and best practices; professional development workshops and sessions for K-12 teachers; outstanding speakers on current economic and financial topics; hands-on technology education sessions; networking opportunities; and teacher roundtables to discuss shared issues, accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities. Kansas City, Missouri. Click here to register.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Council for Economic Education network.

November 2 - 4, 2012
2012 Jump$tart Coalition National Educator Conference
As the nation's leading advocate for youth financial literacy, the Jump$tart Coalition® is proud to conduct the only national educator conference devoted entirely to personal finance education in the classroom. JW Marriott Hotel, Chicago, IL. Click here to register.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the IL Jump$tart Coalition.

Spring 2012

January 1, 2012 - Registration Begins!
2012 National Personal Finance Challenge
The National Personal Finance Challenge (NPFC) is designed to recognize students who demonstrate high levels of comprehension and application of personal finance concepts and skills, and reward teachers for outstanding practices in teaching personal finance courses. With all students in Illinois required to take a consumer education/personal finance course, this is a fun and competitive way to engage them more fully in their learning while assessing how well they are meeting the state mandate. Registration begins January 1 and closes February 1. For more information.

2012 Econ Challenge
Econ Challenge is a competition for teams of high school students, where their knowledge of economics is tested and recognized. Student participants receive certificates of recognition, awards and accolades. The competition is open to Illinois teachers who have high school students enrolled in an economics or economics-related course during the 2011-2012 school year. Students compete in teams of four, and may participate as a member of only one team. Registration runs from January 1 to February 1. For more information.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Council for Economic Education network and an endorser of both of these competitions.

January 20, 2012
4th Annual K-12 Teacher Conference on Financial Literacy - As Easy As 1-2-3!
This FREE training conference offers engaging curriculum presentations. The 2012 conference will include the newly-revised Financial Fitness for Life curriculum and teacher packages, as well as the new Virtual Economics Version 4.0. Stipends and curriculum materials will be available for each eligible K-12 teacher. The event will be held at the the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and hosted by Econ Illinois. This popular conference fills early, with a large waiting list. Don't delay! Register today! For more information.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Council for Economic Education network and an endorser of this event.

March 12 - April 13, 2012
2012 National Financial Capability Challenge
It's back! The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Education have teamed up again to administer the National Financial Capability Challenge in 2012. The Challenge is a national initiative designed to engage educators in the teaching of personal finance, and to increase the financial knowledge and capability of youth across the United States so they can take control of their financial futures. All teachers (and other educators) are encouraged to sign up, prepare their students, and administer the voluntary online exam. Educators and top-scoring students in each school will earn personalized award certificates. Twenty-five students will receive scholarships. States with the highest participation rates will also be recognized. The Challenge is scheduled to be administered March 12 - April 13, 2012. (Educators chooose which day to administer the exam.) For more information.

April 21 - April 28, 2012
Money Smart Week Illinois
During Money Smart Week hundreds of organizations across the state of Illinois come together to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy, inform consumers where they can get help, and provide free educational seminars and activities on various topics related to personal finance. This statewide effort is coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. U of I CEFE is a MSW Illinois partner organization. Learn more about MSW Illinois.

Fall 2011

October 12-15, 2011
50th Annual Financial Literacy and Economic Education Conference
The nation's greatest educators, personal finance experts, university professors, Federal Reserve representatives and advocates in the field of K-12 economics and financial education are coming to Chicago! The conference will feature a diverse selection of presentations, workshops and events aimed at raising the levels of economic and financial literacy among young people. More than 500 top economic educators and industry thought-leaders from across the U.S. and around the globe attend. For more information.

November 18, 2011
8th Annual Financial Fitness for Life Training Conference
This year it's all about jobs! Millions of Americans are currently out of work and millions more are worried about losing their jobs. Consumers everywhere are looking for ways to retool, develop new career skills, and earn additional income. The theme of this year's conference is "Taking Charge of Your Career in Today's Economy." The conference will showcase economic and financial education lessons from the newly-revised Financial Fitness for Life (FFFL) and newly-released Teaching Financial Crises (TFC) curricula. The lessons will focus specifically on employment and career issues. Guest speakers from industry and social services will discuss current employment conditions and the challenges and opportunities facing consumers in Illinois. Conference participants will receive *FREE* the FFFL and TFC curricula, along with other hands-on activities and resources to take back to their students and clients. For more information.

Spring 2011

January 1, 2011 - Registration Begins!
2011 Illinois Personal Finance Challenge
The Illinois Personal Finance Challenge (IPFC) is designed to recognize students who demonstrate high levels of comprehension and application of personal finance concepts and skills, and reward teachers for outstanding practices in teaching personal finance courses. With all students in Illinois required to take a consumer education/personal finance course, this is a fun and competitive way to engage them more fully in their learning while assessing how well they are meeting the state mandate. The competition is presented by Econ Illinois, in conjunction with its Centers for Economic Education throughout the state and the Federal Reserve Banks of Chicago and St. Louis. Registration begins January 1 and closes February 1. Sign up today! For more information.

Illinois Econ Challenge
Econ Challenge is a competition for teams of high school students, where their knowledge of economics is tested and recognized. Student participants receive certificates of recognition, awards and accolades. The competition is open to Illinois teachers who have high school students enrolled in an economics or economics-related course during the 2010-2011 school year. Students compete in teams of four, and may participate as a member of only one team. The competition is hosted by Econ Illinois, in conjunction with its Centers for Economic Education and the Federal Reserve Banks of Chicago and St. Louis. Registration runs from January 1 to February 1. Sign up today! For more information.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Econ Illinois network and an endorser of both of these competitions.

January 21, 2011
3rd Annual K-12 Teacher Conference on Financial Literacy - As Easy As 1-2-3!
This FREE training conference promises to bring engaging curriculum presentations, as well as value-rich sessions designed to enhance participants' skills and knowledge to support their own personal financial success. Each eligible instructor will receive a $50 participation stipend and up to $100 in curriculum materials! The event will be held at the the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and hosted by Econ Illinois. Reserve your spot today! For more information.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Econ Illinois network and an endorser of this event.

March 7 - April 8, 2011
2011 National Financial Capability Challenge
It's back! The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Education have teamed up again to administer the National Financial Capability Challenge in 2011. The Challenge is a national initiative designed to engage educators in the teaching of personal finance, and to increase the financial knowledge and capability of youth across the United States so they can take control of their financial futures. All teachers (and other educators) are encouraged to sign up, prepare their students, and administer the voluntary online exam. Educators and top-scoring students in each school will earn personalized award certificates. Twenty-five students will receive scholarships. States with the highest participation rates will also be recognized. The Challenge is scheduled to be administered March 7 - April 8, 2011. (Educators chooose which day to administer the exam.) Register today! For more information.

April 2 - April 9, 2011
Money Smart Week Illinois
During Money Smart Week hundreds of organizations across the state of Illinois come together to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy, inform consumers where they can get help, and provide free educational seminars and activities on various topics related to personal finance. This statewide effort is coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. U of I CEFE is a MSW Illinois partner organization. Learn more about MSW Illinois.

April 4, 2011
7th Annual Financial Fitness for Life Training Conference
Get Ready! U of I CEFE hosts its 7th Annual Financial Fitness for Life Training Conference in 2011 during Money Smart Week Illinois. The conference will showcase the newly-revised Financial Fitness for Life curriculum. Guest speakers from the financial industry, state agencies, and area businesses will discuss pressing financial issues facing educators and consumers. Conference participants will receive *FREE* the newly-revised curriculum materials, along with numerous hands-on activities and resources to take back to their students and clients. For more information.

Fall 2010

November 15, 2010
2010 Illinois Jump$tart Teacher Training Conference
Do you want to gain hands-on experience with the latest financial literacy information? Are you looking to obtain relevant materials and sessions for each grade level from K-12? Do you want to learn how to effectively teach financial literacy curricula and earn 6 CPDUs? Then this training conference is for you! The 6th Annual Jumpstart Teacher Training Conference will be held on November 15th from 8am to 3pm at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago. Session topics will include savings, entrepreneurship, language arts and more - all through the lens of personal finance. The conference is free. (There is a $35 non-refundable registration fee.) Sign up today! To register click here.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of Illinois Jump$tart and an endorser of this event.

December 10, 2010
29th Annual IASET Conference - Behavioral Economics: Incentives Matter!
The 29th Annual Conference of the Illinois Association of School Economics Teachers will be held on Friday, December 10th at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This year's topic Behavioral Economics: Incentives Matter will examine how we can make sense of paradoxical consumer decisions. Eligible participants will receive a copy of Teaching the Ethical Foundations of Economics, with lessons for grades 6-12. The conference is presented by Econ Illinois and Governors State University Office of Economic Education. For more information.

Note: U of I CEFE is a member of the Econ Illinois network and an endorser of this event.

Summer 2010

July 9, 2010
Financial Literacy Conference at the Chicago Fed
This summer learn about financial literacy at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago! Consumers are facing record levels of debt, low savings rates, and rising unemployment! Now more than ever it is critical that young adults have a fundamental understanding of personal finance. This conference will link the latest in financial literacy curriculum to developments in financial markets with industry speakers. A series of breakout sessions will introduce teachers to leading personal finance curriculum. Guest speakers from the financial industry will also discuss real-world financial issues and what consumers need to know to create long-run financial security. For more information.

July 26 – August 10, 2010
International Study Tour to South Africa - Registration ends May 5
The Council for Economic Education has announced its 2010 summer Study Tour on Economic Education to the Republic of South Africa. The program overview and application is now available online. The program runs July 26 to August 10. The application deadline is May 5. Demand is high each year with just two groups of 12 U.S. teachers accepted. The trip includes an orientation program in Washington DC. The program is made possible with support from the U.S. Department of Education for the Cooperative Education Exchange Program (CEEP). For more information.

July 28 – August 13, 2010
NYSE Euronext and SEC Offer Summer Programs for Teachers - Registration ends June 1
NYSE Euronext and the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission have formed a partnership to offer a summer Teachers' Workshop program to help educators teach students about the financial marketplace and its importance in their lives and the global economy. This summer training program includes two and five-day workshops in New York City and Washington DC. The workshops will feature lecture-discussion sessions, hands-on activities, and field trips. Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. Class sizes are limited to 40 participants. Sign up today! For more information.

Spring 2010

January 1 – March 14, 2010
2010 National Financial Capability Challenge
The Challenge is a national initiative designed to engage educators in the teaching of personal finance, and to increase the financial knowledge and capability of youth across the United States so they can take control of their financial futures. All teachers (and other educators) are encouraged to sign up, prepare their students, and administer the voluntary online exam. Educators and top-scoring students in each school will earn personalized award certificates and states with the highest participation rates will also be recognized. The Challenge is sponsored by the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Department of Education. Sign up today! Registration ends March 14, 2010. For more information.

January 4 – May 14, 2010
2010 Online Professional Development Trainings – ‘Learning, Earning, and Investing’ and ‘Virtual Economics’
Sign up today for FREE virtual seats to our new online professional development trainings for Learning, Earning, and Investing and Virtual Economics. During the trainings,you'll watch educators in action as they demonstrate the lessons and activities. Upon completion of the modules, you'll receive a FREE copy of each curriculum, a certificate of completion, and professional development credits (CPDUs). As an added BONUS, you'll receive a complimentary copy of the DVD-based curriculum Risky Business. Courses need to be completed by Friday, May 14th. For more information.

March 1, 2010
Learning, Earning, and Investing Training Conference – Gen I Revolution!
This interactive training conference focuses on helping educators teach youth and limited-resource audiences about the basics of investing and how to make smart investment decisions. The training will showcase Gen I Revolution, LEI’s exciting new online game where participants become secret operatives and are assigned various missions to help save the world from widespread financial despair. Each mission focuses on key savings and investment concepts covered in the LEI curriculum. A guest speaker from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Securities Department will talk about long-run financial security, investment fraud, and how to protect your assets. For more information.

April 19, 2010
Financial Fitness for Life Rollout Conference
The national Council for Economic Education is getting ready to release its newly revised Financial Fitness for Life curriculum. Be the first to receive a *FREE* copy of the curriculum materials at this statewide rollout conference. The theme of the conference will focus on helping educators teach youth and limited-resource clients how to establish, use, and protect their credit. Cate Williams, Vice President of Financial Literacy for Money Management International, will discuss recent developments in the credit industry and implications for consumers who are struggling to repay their debts. Bill Strauss, Senior Economist and Economic Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will discuss the economic outlook for consumers in the coming year. Conference participants will receive the newly revised Financial Fitness for Life curriculum materials, along with numerous hands-on activities and resources to take back to their students and clients. For more information.

Fall 2009

September 25, 2009
Financing Your Future Training Conference - Take Charge of Your Career!
The Illinois unemployment rate recently hit 9.1%, the highest it’s been since 1992.  Many consumers are worried about losing their jobs and are looking for ways to retool, develop new career skills, and earn additional income. This interactive training will focus on how to teach youth and limited resource audiences to "take charge of their career" in today’s markets. Guest speakers from the financial planning industry, state agencies, and local businesses will discuss key employment issues facing consumers such as preparing financially for employment transitions, constructing a career roadmap, and gearing up for changing employment opportunities. Conference participants will receive the DVD-based Financing Your Future curriculum, which includes 5 videos with complementary lesson plans to help students and clients develop the skills they need to establish successful career paths and secure financial futures. For more information.

October 19, 2009
5th Annual Financial Fitness for Life Training Conference - Making Your Money Grow!
Stocks are on the rebound, but are we out of the woods yet?  Now is the ideal time to help consumers learn how to take personal responsibility for their finances and become smart savers and investors. This Financial Fitness for Life training conference will focus on helping educators teach youth and limited resource audiences to “make their money grow.” Guest speakers from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Economic Awareness Council, and Money Management International will also discuss recent developments in the financial markets and implications for consumers’ financial security. Conference participants will receive the Financial Fitness for Life curriculum materials, along with numerous websites, simulations and other activities they can share with their students and clients. For more information.

October 25 – December 31, 2009
2009 Online Professional Development Trainings – ‘Virtual Economics’ and ‘Capstone: Exemplary Lessons for High School Economics’
Sign up today for FREE virtual seats to our new online professional development trainings for ‘Virtual Economics’ and ‘Capstone: Exemplary Lessons for High School Economics.’ Upon completion of the online modules, you will receive a FREE copy of the curriculum and a certificate of completion. CPDUs are also available. Courses need to be completed by December 31st. For more information

Summer 2009

July 8, 2009
Financial Literacy Conference at the Chicago Fed
This summer learn about financial literacy at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago! Consumers are facing record levels of debt, low savings rates, and rising unemployment! Now more than ever it is critical that young adults have a fundamental understanding of personal finance. This conference will link the latest in financial literacy curriculum to developments in financial markets with industry speakers. A series of breakout sessions will introduce teachers to leading personal finance curriculum. Guest speakers from the financial industry will also discuss real-world financial issues and what consumers need to know to create long-run financial security. For more information.

Fall 2008

October 24, 2008
Financial Fitness for Life Training Conference - Take Charge of Your Credit!
Record levels of consumer debt, rising foreclosure rates, and mounting bankruptcies are signs that a large number of consumers are financially in trouble. It is critical that consumers understand the impact that credit has on their financial well-being. This interactive Financial Fitness for Life training focuses on how to teach youth and limited resource audiences to “take charge of their credit” and become smart credit managers. Guest speakers from the financial industry talk about the recent credit crisis and what it means for consumers. Participants receive all of the Financial Fitness for Life curriculum materials (teacher guide, student workbook, parents guide, CD-ROM, and web links). The training also provides educators with numerous games, websites, simulations and other activities they can use with their students and clients. For more information.

November 10, 2008
Financing Your Future Training Conference
More than ever consumers need to have a basic understanding of money management so they are able to make informed decisions in today's complex market place. Financing Your Future is a complete personal finance program on DVD. The program consists of five videos that cover topics such as setting financial goals, creating a budget, consumer decision-making, investing in one's own human capital, developing a banking relationship, understanding credit and debt, and building wealth. Each video is complemented with three standards-based lesson plans that educators can use with their students and clients to reinforce the concepts demonstrated in the videos. Conference participants receive the Financing Your Future DVD curriculum, which includes the videos, lesson plans, glossary, and test bank. Also, a guest speaker from the financial industry discusses key economic and financial issues, both nationally and globally, that are likely to be at the forefront for consumers in the coming year. For more information.

November 14, 2008
Measuring Financial Success Using Program Evaluation
While numerous financial education programs exist, many providers are still struggling with how to successfully measure whether their programs are working. This financial education and program evaluation training focuses on helping financial education providers define program success, identify program objectives, select appropriate outcomes and indicators, choose suitable methods for data collection, design and administer effective evaluation instruments, and analyze and report impact findings. All participants receive numerous evaluation resources including: a PowerPoint presentation, evaluation manual, program planning guide, evaluation action plan, sample evaluations, and program evaluation reading list. For more information.

Summer 2008

July 21 - 22, 2008
Mini-Society® Training Conference
Mini-Society® is a nationally recognized program designed to spark students' interest in economics and entrepreneurship. This engaging real-world program allows students to learn basic economic concepts by creating their own micro-economy in the classroom. Through this intensive training, educators will receive the skills necessary to integrate economic and entrepreneurial concepts into their existing curricula. Participants receive 4 Mini-Society® training manuals and a student journal. For more information.

July 23 - 24, 2008
Making A Job Training Conference
Making A Job is a nationally recognized program that takes students from the initial stages of identifying and analyzing potential business opportunities in their own world ... school, home, community ... through the development of a business plan for a viable entrepreneurial business venture. This experience-based learning program focuses on business creation ... not business management! It can be infused into regularly scheduled classes in consumer sciences, social studies, language arts, math, careers/life skills, and vocational training and technology. The program also can be offered as an after-school experience, a summer camp activity, or a stand-alone course in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking. Conference participants receive all of the Making A Job training materials, including the curriculum, instructor manual, student guide, personal journal, educational standards guide, and online resources. For more information.

Fall 2007

October 1, 2007
Learning, Earning, and Investing Training Conference - Investment Basics
This interactive training conference introduces participants to the Learning, Earning, and Investing curriculum and focuses on lessons related to the basics of saving and investing. Topics include the time value of money, stock certificates and dividends, bonds, mutual funds and investment clubs, risk and return, costs and benefits, and wealth building. All participants receive the Learning, Earning, and Investing curriculum. They also receive numerous games, websites, and simulations they can use with their students or clients. In particular, educators are introduced to The Stock Market Game, an online simulation that gives students the chance to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in a real-time portfolio. Educators also participate in a simulation of the New York Stock Exchange trading floor. The conference concludes with a demonstration of Plan Well, Retire Well, an interactive website where students can learn how to save and invest for long-term financial goals such as retirement. For more information.

Spring 2007

April 27, 2007
Financial Fitness for Life Training Conference - Becoming A Smart Money Manager
This interactive training conference focuses on Financial Fitness for Life lessons related to teaching young adults about how to make smart money management decisions. Specific topics include: setting financial goals, creating spending plans, saving and investing, managing credit, credit reports and credit scores, dealing with credit problems, credit repair scams, and protecting your credit. All participants receive the Financial Fitness for Life curriculum materials (teacher guide, student workbook, parents guide, CD-ROM, and web links). Participants also receive the newest release of the NEFE® High School Financial Planning Program. This six-unit program provides students with a greater understanding of and ability to manage their personal finances in the areas of goal setting, budgeting, and saving. Both curricula provide instructors with numerous games, websites, simulations and other activities to take back to the classroom. Participants also are introduced to PowerPay, an online budgeting tool that helps young adults understand how to reduce debt and increase savings. The conference concludes with a guest speaker from the consumer credit counseling industry who discusses what happens when individuals mismanage their finances. For more information.