Online Game Helps Youth Become Financially Responsible Adults

Virtual Experience Results in Financial Literacy

St. Louis , June 25, 2007 -

            Cents City, an awardee at the 2007 Social Entrepreneurship Innovation Competition (SEIC), is an interactive online city and gaming community that develops the skills needed to become a financially responsible adult.   Cents City is a creative and effective classroom tool that builds financial awareness to middle school-aged youth and also helps to enhance reading and math proficiencies.  The virtual online experience provides students with real world financial habits in hopes of improving America’s recent trends in financial management.
            In 2005 alone, teens spent over $155 billion, and the average college student carried a credit card balance exceeding $2,000.  In the game's virtual city, each student’s fictional persona will have an occupation, investments, buddies to chat with and “quests” to teach financial skills.  Its innovative, fun and dynamic exercises encourage students to learn vital financial concepts while allowing teachers to teach sustainable life lessons. 
            Cents City grew out of Felix Lloyd's experiences as a Generation Xer trying to navigate the real world's bottom line without having been given a roadmap.  His SEIC Award will help him continue to fund and grow his online project to help the nation's youth.