Financial Education is Alive and Well in Canada

At a time when the first of the baby boomers are looking towards retirement, you can rest assured that small to medium business, and the business community in general, are in good hands.

With very little knowledge of what I was stepping into, I had the privilege of participating as a judge in the National competition of Students in Financial Education (SIFE). What I found out was inspiring.

On May 10, 2011, university students from across Canada, winners of their regional competitions, converged on the Toronto Convention Centre to determine the National Championship.

From homeless youth through seniors, business start-ups to going concerns, and everything in between, Canadian post-secondary students are volunteering and helping Canadians learn, implement and benefit through continuing financial education. Combined, Canadian students expended 273,000 volunteer hours directly impacting financial literacy in their respective communities.

On behalf of the entire Knowledge Bureau Community, I applaud the efforts and dedication of these students and the measurable results they have achieved across Canada.  I congratulate the Memorial University of Newfoundland team members as the Canadian Champions and wish them the best of luck in the SIFE World Cup.

To find out more regarding ACE and how you and your business can get involved, visit the website and locate one of the 52 universities and colleges in your neighbourhood.

What is ACE?

Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurs or ACE is a national, charitable organization dedicated to teaching and igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Through a collaborative partnership between higher education and industry, ACE delivers programming that provides university and college students access to real world experience that complements in-class studies. By creating solutions to economic, social and environmental issues through outreach projects and business ventures, students make a meaningful contribution to their communities today, while also discovering their potential to achieve an even greater impact as the leaders of tomorrow.

What is SIFE?

Students In Free Enterprise or SIFE, encourages students to form teams on their campus and apply business concepts learned in the classroom to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. Annual national competitions provide a forum for these teams to present the results of their projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. The national champion team advances to the prestigious SIFE World Cup. SIFE operates in 39 countries, on 1,500 college and university campuses and with direct involvement of over 48,000 students worldwide.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:  The Smart, Savvy Young Consumer

Available in November, 2011!