By Kids for Kids (BKFK), the NYSE Foundation and K12 are pleased to announce the NYSE Financial Future Challenge,’ a dynamic competition challenging kids to come up with new ways to teach their peers about finance, money management and investing in the stock market. Entries may include games, books, websites, videos, and other media that would help illuminate the fundamentals of the stock market, enhance financial literacy, and make it easy for young people to learn and even participate in the markets. The winning contestant will receive $2,500 to invest in stocks, as well as special media attention at the NYSE.

The NYSE Financial Future Challenge went live June 1 and concludes on Aug. 31, 2009, at 12:00 noon EST. All entries must be submitted online via the BKFK website at: http://www.bkfk.com/. The contest is open to youth between the ages of 6 and 19 who reside in the United States, District of Columbia and U.S. territories and possessions. All entries must include a full description of the idea, how it will work, and what areas of investing will be taught, along with supporting images and documents (up to 3 uploads). Judging criteria will include originality of concept, development and description of idea, and how well the tool teaches the material.

A great deal of national attention is being focused on the state of the economy and the stock market. Considering that today’s youth are tomorrow’s investors, it is important that we look for ways in which to excite kids about their financial future, says Duncan Niederauer, CEO of NYSE Euronext. We believe the NYSE Financial Future Challenge will encourage youth to participate in the markets and finance.

K12 is excited to be a part of the NYSE Financial Future Challenge, said Ron Packard, Founder and CEO of K12 Inc. Preparing our children to be leaders is among the most important investments we can make. This program encourages young people to use their education, skills and creativity to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Norman Goldstein, the founder and CEO of BKFK added: BKFK always believes that kids have the innate ability to create unique products and services to respond to the challenges we face, and that by offering them the tools and stimulus through this national competition, they will rise to the challenge with clarity and resolve. We are once again working with the support of our partner, the United Inventor’s Association, to stimulate innovation in America’s youth.