Competitions

All the practice, preparation and consumer smarts come together in competition. We encourage students to “Learn It. Live It.” … and show off what they know! Here are all the events and competitions available to players:

Varsity LifeSmarts - Open to all students in grades 9-12

Online Qualifying Session–Students begin online where they use LifeSmarts resources, practice competitions, and, when they’re ready, compete for a final score. Students must complete this competition during the timeframe for their state, generally December through January or February for Varsity. Times may be later for Junior Varsity State Championships.

Monthly TeamSmarts Quizzes–Every month from September through February teams may complete the TeamSmarts challenge. These 100-question multiple-choice quizzes focus on a different topic each month. Points are awarded for both accuracy and speed — so students must work together to develop a winning strategy!

State Varsity Championships–Teams that complete the online state qualification quizzes may advance to compete for their State LifeSmarts Championship. In states without an in-person State LifeSmarts Championship, teams compete online using a special TeamSmarts quiz.

National LifeSmarts Championship–Winners of their State Varsity LifeSmarts Championship are invited to represent their state and compete in the National LifeSmarts Championship by their State Coordinator or by the National Consumers League.

Junior Varsity - Open to all students in grades 6-8

Online Qualifying Session–Students begin online where they use LifeSmarts resources, practice competitions, and, when they’re ready, compete for a final score. Students must complete this competition during the timeframe for their state, generally  January – late March for Junior Varsity.  Note: Times may be later for Junior Varsity State Championships. Many states host online or virtual Junior Varsity State Championships. Check with your state for deadlines and details.

Monthly TeamSmarts Quizzes–Every month from September through February teams may complete the TeamSmarts challenge for a $100 cash prize! These 100-question multiple-choice quizzes focus on a different topic each month. Points are awarded for both accuracy and speed — so students must work together to develop a winning strategy!

State Junior Varsity Championships–Teams that complete the online state qualification quizzes may advance to compete for their State Junior Varsity LifeSmarts Championship. In states without an in-person State LifeSmarts Championship, teams compete online using a special TeamSmarts quiz. Winning Junior Varsity teams have the opportunity to compete in the first- ever Virtual National Junior Varsity Championship in May, 2024!

Virtual National Junior Varsity LifeSmarts Championship–Winners of their State Junior Varsity LifeSmarts Championship are invited to represent their state and compete in the first Virtual National Junior Varsity LifeSmarts Championship.  This event will be held online using Zoom and QuizBowl Pro buzzers (Online) on May 9-10, 2024. Teams will be divided into East and West Region and will compete in buzzer matches on Day 1. Semi-finalists will be determined by scores on Day 1 and will advance to the Semi- Finals on Day 2, followed by the Finals to determine our first-ever National LifeSmarts Junior Varsity Champion team!  Stay tuned for additional details!

FBLA Competitions

LifeSmarts FBLA Challenge–FBLA teams may compete in the  LifeSmarts FBLA Challenge, with qualifying teams advancing to compete live at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in June.

FBLA TeamSmarts Challenge–From September through February,  FBLA Chapters compete against other FBLA teams for a $100 cash prize.

FCCLA Competitions

FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl–FCCLA teams may compete in the FCCLA/LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl, with qualifying teams competing live at the National FCCLA Fall Conference and the finalist teams competing at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in July.

FCCLA TeamSmarts Challenge–From September through February FCCLA Chapters compete against other FCCLA teams for a $100 cash prize.

LifeSmarts BPA Technology and Workforce Preparation Challenge and LifeSmarts BPA Personal Finance Challenge–BPA teams may compete in the these two special challenges in January and February. Top teams in each Challenge earn cash prizes.

BPA TeamSmarts Challenge–From September through February, BPA Chapters compete against other BPA teams for a $100 cash prize.

4-H Summer Online Challenge–4-H teams may compete in the online 4-H Summer Challenge against 4-H teams from across the country to earn cash prizes each August.  Teams with 4-H’ers in grades 6-8 (Junior Varsity level) and grades 9 – 12 (Varsity level) are eligible.

4-H TeamSmarts Challenge–From September through February, 4-H Teams and Clubs can compete against other 4-H teams for $100 cash prizes.

LifeSmarts SkillsUSA Health & Safety Challenge–SkillsUSA teams may compete in the LifeSmarts SkillsUSA Health & Safety Challenge each February. Top scoring teams earn cash prizes.

SkillsUSA TeamSmarts Challenge–From September through February, SkillsUSA Chapters can compete against other SkillsUSA teams for $100 cash prizes.