FOUNDATION PROMOTES FINANCIAL EDUCATION BY KIDS FOR KIDS
BizKid$, an Emmy award-winning public television series underwritten by credit unions and supported by an MnCUF grant, is an educational program in which kids teach kids about money and business. The series puts students’ peers in a variety of situations that illustrate how to use credit wisely and that reinforce the importance of budgeting, saving, investing and giving back to their communities.
Fast Facts
- The PBS program has a viewing audience of 1.2 million per episode and has reached 271 million households nationwide since its launch in January 2008.
- It has aired on more than 340 PBS stations across the country, including four stations that cover Minnesota markets and has broadcast in all 50 states.
- BizKid$ has the highest pick-up rate with public broadcasters of any children’s program broadcast by American Public Television. Find more BizKid$ facts click here.
Credit union ties
Since fundraising for the show began, the credit union system and its affiliates have contributed more than $13 million – including $4.1 million in grants from National Credit Union Foundation – to produce the BizKid$ series, its website and curriculum, which is available free to credit unions to use in their own financial literacy education programs. The series is based on national financial literacy standards.
As national underwriters, credit unions have full access to the show and the curriculum, which is designed for families and children from fifth grade through high school. Box sets can be purchased at cost or recorded off of PBS, and the curriculum is free and available for download from the BizKid$ website. In addition, credit unions have a 15-second underwriting spot that begins and ends each episode, and credit unions are recognized on the BizKid$ site, classroom curriculum and outreach materials.
The National Credit Union Foundation supports BizKid$ and, in an effort to expand its scope and nationwide appeal, took over fundraising and administration of the series in June of 2011. To read more about the show’s transition from Washington Credit Union Foundation to NCUF click here.
See it in Minnesota!
BizKid$ airs on numerous public television stations in Minnesota. Below is a table of PBS stations with Minnesota viewing audiences that carry the series.
| Market | Stations | City | Air Times |
| Minneapolis | KAWEDT, KAWEDT2 | Bemidji | Sundays 8:30 a.m. |
| Minneapolis | KAWEDT, KAWEDT2 | Brainerd | Sundays 8:30 a.m. |
| Fargo-Valley City | KCGEDT | Crookston | Sundays 11:00 a.m. |
| Duluth-Superior | WDSEDT | Duluth | Saturdays 9:30 a.m. |
| Duluth-Superior | WRPTDT | Hibbing | Saturdays 9:30 a.m. |
| Rochester | KYINDT, KYINDT2 | Mason City, IA | Weekdays 5:00 a.m. |
More About the Series
BizKid$ has produced five seasons, each with 13 episodes that focus on relevant financial topics. Season 5 episodes began airing in January 2012 on PBS stations all over the country. Its 13 episodes focus on businesses going green and being socially conscious, understanding financial institutions, running a fundraiser, evaluating investment opportunities, recognizing media manipulation, learning accounting principles, choosing a business structure, and becoming independent. The new season pushes Biz Kid$ to a total of 65 total episodes produced.
The series is based on national financial literacy standards. It makes financial lessons fun with silly spoofs on movies and pop star parodies, entertaining its audience while it educates.
Read more about Season 5 topics below. Click on episode descriptions to get a summary of all BizKid$ episodes from Seasons 1-5.
SEASON 5 EPISODES
#501 — What’s Your Money Personality?
How do you act with money? Are you a “Money Star,” “Oblivious” or “Penny Wise Pound Foolish”? This episode looks at the range of emotional reactions and connections people have with money. So what personality are you? Find out in this episode.
#502 — Business Structures
What structure is right for your future business? It’s not just “incorporated” anymore. Join us and learn about LLCs, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and more. Examine the pros and cons of each business structure and discover which one could be right for you. Meet two girls who were able to start both a non-profit and a for-profit, all from selling honey.
#503 — Movin’ On Out
Check out this kid’s guide to the true cost of cutting the cord and being independent. This episode takes you through it all — budgeting, roommates, finding a place, and learning about all the hidden costs that mom and dad used to pay. Meet seven girls who figured out how to share finances and the hairdryer. So how much does it cost to live on your own? More than you think!
#504 — You Are the Target!
….of advertisers, that is. Kids and teens are subjected to thousands of commercial messages every day. This episode helps you recognize when you are being targeted, how to resist manipulation, and when to apply good consumer skills to cut through the commercial fog.
#505 — The Economics of Economics
Here’s a lighter look at the complex science. Learn about everything from micro to macro economics, supply and demand, and economic indicators. See how business owners and even individuals use economic principles to make financial decisions. Meet a young entrepreneur who started her serving business up when the economy turned down. It’s all economics!
#506 — Businesses That Give Back
Get to know some businesses that are giving back in big ways, including up-and-coming entertainer Cymphonique, who helps encourage positive self-esteem for girls. Learn from socially conscious companies that are doing good by giving back in unique ways. It’s the new triple bottom line: people, planet, profit.
#507 — What’s in the Books?
Poor record-keeping adds up to lost money. This episode examines bookkeeping and accounting, income and expenses, profit and loss, and gives tips on how to get over math anxiety (in case you have it). Meet the youngest Harlem Globetrotter who does a slam dunk with his books.
#508 — Take it to the Bank
A kid’s view of the services which banks, credit unions and other financial institutions offer – and why you should make use of them early in life. Learn the different products and services that banks offer and how to shop for the right bank for you. Meet a young entrepreneur with a haunted house who has no fear of banking.
#509 — It’s a Job Getting a Job!
It’s a job getting a job and Biz Kid$ is here to help. Learn tips and tricks for writing a great resume, dressing for success, and nailing the interview. Get the inside scoop on what employers look for from a young entrepreneur who manages over 200 employees.
#510 — Fundraising can be Fun
Have a worthy cause? Then do a worthy fundraiser. This episode shows how to organize volunteers, choose the right venue, get the word out, and keep expenses low. Learn the right way to do the right thing. See how the largest student-run dance marathon puts the fun in fundraising.
#511 — What to do with a Windfall?
Congratulations – you have a windfall! Now what? Take a look at some investment alternatives and how to evaluate them based on time, risk, and rate of return. Meet several young entrepreneurs who were faced with a financial opportunity and where they decided to invest their money.
#512 — Businesses Going Green
Going green is worthwhile, and good for the bottom line. Explore the profitable side of going green, and learn how to distinguish between what’s hype and what’s hip. Meet two college grads who learned how to make a profit, from the coffee grounds up.
#513 — All in the Family
Does your family talk marketing over meatloaf? Do you know someone who tracks revenue at the family reunion? Family-run businesses come in all shapes and sizes whether you’re a mom-and-pop shop or the Trump empire. Learn how families work, grow, and fight their way to profits.