The CENTSABLES: Financial Literacy Project Launches On Multi-Media Platform

HUNTINGTON, N.Y., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- A unique new project geared to teaching kids about financial literacy as well as life's values launched on a multi-media platform last month in San Diego at the CUNA Marketing Conference for Credit Unions. Maine State Credit Union was the first financial institution in the country to license this program.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090414/NY98858 )

Normand Dubreuil, president of Maine State Credit Union stated, "It was an easy decision for us. The CENTSABLES program reinforces our commitment to support and enhance our members' financial lives. The appeal of these characters to kids, the creativity of the concept, the quality and variety of promotional materials, make this the most effective kids' financial literacy program I have come across. When you add in exclusivity and an affordable license fee, I signed up for it on the spot."

Over a dozen independent and community banks and credit unions have since signed on from all across the United States.

Mark DiPippa, President of Norm Hill Entertainment, is the creator of the project, which will be marketed in association with DNA Creative, a marketing and design firm.

States DiPippa, "In times like these, we really need heroes. The CENTSABLES are six bank employees by day and superheroes by choice, helping kids understand the concept of money and its importance throughout their lifetimes, while teaching positive values."

The CENTSABLES combine entertainment with education. Components of the project include an interactive website, comic book series, banking programs for kids, NIE (Newspaper In Education) inserts, school study guides including teacher lesson plans, an animated television series, and extensive merchandising including collectible action figures, games, trading cards, clothing and other licensed products.

"The action-adventure stories in the comics and soon to be produced animated series, keep kids entertained while the lessons and colorful activity sheets teach valuable lessons about money and finances. Parents need to learn these lessons as well and are encouraged to interact with their children," added DiPippa, who is a father of three children.

With today's kids spending more than $30 billion on purchases each year, promoting financial literacy is a priority for parents. However, research indicates parents don't teach their children the basic concepts of earning, spending and saving money. The CENTSABLES program is designed to fill that need, giving kids the knowledge and skills they need to make smart financial choices and sound life decisions throughout their lives.

Added DiPippa, "While many websites exist to help kids learn about financial literacy, only The CENTSABLES provides a multi-media platform including an animated television series, interactive website, educational programs in schools, and a real banking program to educate kids about money and encourage them to save.

The CENTSABLES website, www.centsables.com, enables kids to explore the concepts of money, how value is determined, basic economics and investing, without being too technical to understand. Using activity pages and downloadable forms, children can master banking skills such as check-writing and budgeting, preparing deposit slips and earning money. The site features action-comics based on the animated television series, an informative parent link, plus exercises and games that reinforce learning and keep kids coming back. All content will meet national learning standards and will be available in English and Spanish.

Currently in production is a series of 13 CENTSABLES comic books, in which the super-pals fight financially twisted foes and kids learn skills that will serve them for life. 32 activity pages have also been produced and running in local newspapers in the NIE (Newspapers In Education) section in print and online. Most recently, the Detroit Free Press licensed all 32 features and within the first month over 200 teachers representing 15,000 students signed up to receive them.

The Banking for Kids program is a turn-key opportunity for financial institutions to encourage savings and good financial management for youngsters, while building long-term relationships and cross-sell opportunities for sponsoring financial institutions. The welcome kit includes a special savings account, free gift, collectible action figure and personalized letter from The CENTSABLES. The proprietary program also includes personal appearances by CENTSABLES characters, all branch signage and rack brochures, plus a targeted advertising campaign for existing and potential members.

The classroom component leverages website material into downloadable lesson plans that are in alignment with national educational standards for mathematics. The program includes a teacher resource kit, posters for the classrooms, comic books, calculators and other student handouts.

The animated series, targeted to kids 6-11, features six super-hero friends who through their everyday adventures and examples teach sound fiscal responsibility and positive behavior. When the kids of Centsinnati are threatened by villains like Creditor and Liquidator, The CENTSABLES leap into action, fighting evil-doers with abilities that include super speed and powers over water and wind. Storylines highlight The CENTSABLES' diversity and model prosocial behaviors. Narration for the series is being provided by ADAM WEST of Batman fame. The series will meet FCC educational and informational (e/i) guidelines, is currently in production.

Tony Intelisano, President of Mark Anthony Entertainment, will distribute the television series and assist in other marketing aspects.

Added Intelisano, "Initial discussions are already underway with broadcast outlets to air the animated series, as well as with major sponsors to participate in the project on many levels, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. For both broadcasters and sponsors, The CENTSABLES represents a one-of-a-kind programming and marketing vehicle that will attract kids, and their parents, provide opportunities for partnerships on both a local and national basis, tremendous goodwill, and real revenue."

SOURCE Norm Hill Entertainment