LifeSmarts FAQs

1. What is LifeSmarts?
2. Who operates LifeSmarts?
3. Who sponsors LifeSmarts?
4. What does LifeSmarts teach teens?
5. How do I get involved?
6. Is LifeSmarts available in my state?
7. When are competitions held?
8. Who may participate?
9. What is the cost of participation?
10. Who provides the competition questions?

1. What is LifeSmarts?

LifeSmarts is a flexible classroom or group educational tool that develops the consumer and marketplace knowledge and skills of teens. LifeSmarts teaches teens consumer literacy in Personal Finance, Consumer Rights & Responsibilities, Technology, Health & Safety and the Environment. The LifeSmarts program year runs on the standard academic year - Septmber to April - to complement classroom curricula.

2. Who operates LifeSmarts?

The National Consumers League operates LifeSmarts and works in partnership with other nonprofit government and education groups in states. State Attorneys General, Credit Counseling Services, Better Business Bureaus, Cooperative Extension Offices and other consumer education organizations act as partnering agencies that plan and implement LifeSmarts in each state.

3. Who sponsors LifeSmarts?

Financial support for LifeSmarts comes from community-minded businesses, labor unions, government agencies, associations, and other organizations and individuals. Click here for a list of our supporters.

4. What does LifeSmarts teach teens?

LifeSmarts teaches teens to be smart and responsible consumers and citizens by focusing on five key areas of consumer knowledge that teens need to know to function effectively in today's marketplace: Personal Finance, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Health and Safety, Technology and the Environment

In addition to the important information and knowledge that participants gain, they also develop teamwork, self-esteem, verbal communication skills, leadership abilities, and have fun competing. LifeSmarts changes behavior toward better decision-making and better use of money and resources. It provides teens with a good understanding of their consumer rights and responsibilities.

Because many teens begin work during high school, LifeSmarts helps them understand workplace protections, too. It teaches them to spot and avoid frauds and scams, and to make smart choices.

Brochures, booklets, videos, teaching guides, textbooks, Web sites, and other educational resources provided by governmental agencies, businesses, consumer groups, and trade associations are the source of this information that can easily be obtained by any consumer.

5. How do I get involved?

• Adult coaches should follow the directions on the Coach Home Page.
• Players should follow the directions on the Player Home Page.
• Organizations interested in becoming a LifeSmarts State Coordinator should visit the Coordinator Home Page and contact Lisa Hertzberg.
• Interested volunteers should visit the Volunteer Home Page and contact Brandi Williams.
• Parties interested in sponsoring LifeSmarts at the national level should visit the Sponsor Home Page and contact Larry Bostian.

6. Is LifeSmarts available in my state?

LifeSmarts is available to teens in every state through the Internet competition. For more information about your state program, select your state from the state program page to connect with your State Coordinator.

7. When are competitions held?

Visit the state schedule page to view state competition dates. The online competition generally takes place from mid-September through mid-February. In-person state competitions are held from mid-November through mid-March. The regional and national competitions are held each Spring in a major city. Click here for more information about the National Championship.

8. Who may participate?

LifeSmarts is free and open to all teens in 6th-12th grade. The participation of special needs students, exchange students, alternative schools, work study groups, home school groups, clubs and community organizations is encouraged and welcomed.

LifeSmarts is available throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and American military bases abroad. The program is completely accessible to students with disabilities.

9. What is the cost of participation?

There is no fee or registration cost to participate in LifeSmarts! The players will need a few hours away from school and work for the state competition. If the team advances to the national competition, time away from school should not exceed two days. If a team advances to the national level, the state coordinator may help defray the team's travel expenses, but some teams do fundraising activities to attend nationals.

10. Who provides the competition questions?

The National Consumers League provides questions for use in the online, state, and national competitions. Experts from all over the country prepare and review the questions to ensure accuracy.