PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- State Treasurer Rob McCord, Philadelphia Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin and two teams of students from Benjamin Franklin High School went head-to-head today in a high-energy game of Financial Football, a free educational game from Visa Inc. that is designed to improve students' money management skills.
The partnership between the Pennsylvania Treasury, Visa and the NFL is part of Treasurer McCord's ongoing effort to improve financial literacy among Pennsylvanians because of its correlation to greater personal economic security.
"It's important that we help Pennsylvania's young people understand the fundamentals of personal finance, because there is a lot of evidence a student who receives lessons in financial education is more likely to enjoy greater economic security throughout their life," said Treasurer McCord. "This game is a great way to teach those lessons in a way that engages and excites students."
Financial Football simulates an NFL game with financial literacy questions in between downs. It is available for free at practicalmoneyskills.com/football. Visa will distribute the game and curriculum materials to every Pennsylvania middle and high school.
"Just as in football, the more you practice, the better you will perform on the field come game day," Treasurer McCord said. "Financial Football presents students with real-life questions about personal finance. The hope is a student who has played this game will make the right decision for their own finances when confronted with a similar question in their daily life. We appreciate that Visa is helping to put this game in classrooms across the state."
Treasurer McCord has made financial literacy a priority for his administration. Most recently, Treasury offered a series of free online webinars targeted at adults to answer many of their most common financial questions. The series, called "MoneyWise 101," featured financial professionals with extensive knowledge on topics such as establishing a budget, planning for retirement, and managing debt, among others.
Treasurer McCord participated in a similar event last week in western Pennsylvania with a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
To learn more about the McCord Treasury's financial education initiatives or view archived financial education webinars, visit www.patreasury.gov.
The Pennsylvania Treasury logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11427