It is our pleasure to introduce to you, New Jersey's first annual - EconChallenge.

The New Jersey Coalition for Financial Education (NJCFE) is working hand in hand with the Council for Economic Education, the US Department of Education and the Nebraska Council on Economic Education to bring this challenge to New Jersey. NJCFE will also be partnering with many Colleges, Universities, High Schools and other organizations to bring this challenge to all New Jersey High School students.

What is the EconChallenge?
     The Challenge is a great way for students to flex their intellectual muscle and test their economic content knowledge. Sponsored by the Council for Economic Education, the Challenge encourages students to apply their economics knowledge by competing with other students from across the state. In 2010, there will be one open division in the New Jersey EconChallenge. This is not only a State Challenge, but a National Challenge. The top six scoring teams will compete against each other in New York City. Each member of the winning team will receive $1500, a medal and a trophy. The event will be publicized.

Who is eligible?
     All registered High School students are eligible for this competition. Any team of students interested in economics is encouraged to compete and schools may enter multiple teams. All members of a team must be enrolled for high school credit at some time during the 2009-2010 academic year. See complete eligibility rules at economicschallenge.councilforeconed.org/rules.

Where is the Challenge to take place?
     This challenge is being held - on line. You can take the challenge from any location that has an internet connection. Some teams may choose to meet at a local high school or local college to take the challenge. Teachers and students throughout New Jersey will be able to participate regardless of travel or budgetary constraints. Each team will complete online exams that cover topics in microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics and current events for a chance to participate in the National Semifinals and the National Finals. At the National Finals in New York City, the title is decided in a heated competition in a quick-paced oral quiz-bowl round.

When does the Challenge take place?
     Once registered online, teachers can immediately start to create their teams.Complete information about dates for New Jersey can be found on the "Dates and Times" are as follows:
     Jan 12, 2010 - Educator registration begins
     Mar 22, 2010 - Online Challenge begins
     Mar 28, 2010 - Online Challenge ends
     Apr 26, 2010 - The top NJ team will compete in the National semi-finals. This is a written test which will be scored against all of the other State Champions)
     May 22 - 24, 2010 - New York City - the top 6 teams will compete against each other. Most travel expenses will be paid for by the CEE. A national winner will be declared.

What is a team?
     A team is composed of 4 students. Teams of 3 are allowed, but have a disadvantage. Each teacher may have more than one team. Each school may have more than one team.

How much will this cost?
     The Challenge is free of cost to the students, the educators and the schools. All you need, is a computer with an internet access.

For more detailed information and for Educator registrations - please go to the EconChallenge web site:
http://www.econchallenge.org/index.html?s=31&I=1
(If your browser will not jump to the URL above, please copy and paste into the browser window or go to  www.econchallenge.org and pick NJ)

We, at the NJCFE - encourage all eligible students to partake in the Challenge. If there are any questions or concerns, please let us know.
thank you

Maryanne Evanko, President
Becky Winters, Vice President
Kenny Lee, Treasurer
New Jersey Coalition for Financial Education
www.NJCFE.org