(Des Moines, IA) One hundred schools across Iowa will host Pennies to Paychecks, a live sketch comedy program aimed at increasing financial literacy among students this fall. The Iowa Insurance Division and The National Theatre for Children (NTC) have collaborated since 2009 to deliver educational and entertaining messages to young people who are emerging as consumers. Craig Goettsch of the Iowa Insurance Division sees the value of investing in students. "Today's teens are tomorrow's young adults, who will face important decisions regarding their spending and saving habits," he says. "When we prepare them to develop healthy habits, the benefits are enormous?they will have less stress, less debt and less confusion about their finances."
Pennies to Paychecks is a forty-minute performance divided into segments that humorously address topics like take home pay, wages and deductions, saving and investing, credit and debit cards and how to form a savings habit. Two professional actors take suggestions from the audience and incorporate the ideas into their scenes through improvisation. "The kids respond so well to the program because they get to help shape it," says NTC President and founder Ward Eames. "It's an interactive experience rather than a passive presentation. The energy is very high, the information is relevant and meaningful to the kids and the information sticks with them because learning and laughter are blended so seamlessly."
In addition to the live show, participating schools also receive student workbooks, teacher guides and access to interactive digital learning materials at no cost. "This information is crucial," says Goettsch. "we want every school to be able to access this opportunity. This is knowledge that will make a real difference in their lives."
The tour runs from October 19th to November 20th, and includes visits to schools throughout the state. Schools interested in participating in Cash Course can contact NTC at 1-800-858-3999 ext. 1 for further information.
About the Iowa Insurance Division (IID)
The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) has general control, supervision and direction over all insurance and securities business transacted in the state, and enforces Iowa's laws and regulations. The IID investigates consumer complaints and prosecutes companies, agents and brokers engaging in unfair trade practices. Consumers with insurance or securities-related questions or complaints may contact the IID toll free at 877-955-1212 or visit the division on the web at www.iid.iowa.gov.
About NTC
NTC is an award-winning educational content provider whose methods include theatrical all-school assemblies, print and digital curriculum, professional development, extracurricular events and volunteers-in-the-schools. NTC has developed the art of teaching through educational story-telling into a science of its own, and is an international company with operations in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. www.ntccorporate.com
