Sharon Lechter

Sharon Lechter, co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, beating schools with her own game

PHOENIX (July 31, 2007) – “The U.S. public education system is failing to teach our children the basics of money management,” says Sharon Lechter, co-author of the internationally best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad and the Rich Dad series of books.

In fact, only seven states require a personal-finance course for high school graduation, according to a survey released in June by the National Council on Economic Education. Additional statistics on Prosperity4Kids.com show that:

• 79 percent of high school students have never taken a course on personal finance;
• 94 percent of students say their parents are their primary teachers on financial matters; and
• The average college student graduates with $27,600 of debt.

“Money is a life skill. Our current educational system has not been able to keep pace with the global and technological changes in the world today,” said Lechter. “We must teach our young people the skills – both scholastic and financial – that they need to not only survive, but to thrive in the world.”

With such a fundamental life skill being omitted from the curriculum of the majority of school-age children, the private sector has stepped up to help fill the void. Parents are now able to choose from a wide range of online and offline interactive tools and games designed to teach their children how to understand money and the way it works.

A mother herself, Lechter co-developed the CASHFLOW for Kids board game with her own children in mind. “The CASHFLOW for Kids game is truly the perfect way for parents and educators to teach the subjects of money and finance in a fun and non-intimidating way,” said Lechter.

In June, Lechter, along with The Women Presidents’ Organization and Sam’s Club, hosted a CASHFLOW for Girls event at 11 Sam’s Club locations throughout North America to teach young girls financial literacy by playing the CASHFLOW for Kids board game. More than 200 girls participated in the events for free with the promise they would help educate others by playing the game with 10 of their friends at home. This programs unique structure resulted in nearly 2,000 young girls gaining financial literacy in this pay-it-forward initiative.

In keeping with her goal to bolster financial education among youth, Lechter spearheaded the development of RichKidSmartKid.com, a Web site that offers online games to help teach financial management skills for grade levels K-12. Teachers at schools around the globe can download a free version of the Cashflow for Kids electronic game to use in the classroom. On the site, there is also a special section for teachers that offers full lesson plans and materials to complement the online games.

In addition to her work with children, Lechter maintains her enthusiasm for entrepreneurial finances and ventures. Lechter, along with her husband, Michael, are both active in entrepreneurial ventures as educators, advisors and investors.

“Sharon’s passion for entrepreneurship is matched by her dedication to education,” says Mary Lou Bessette, a longtime business leader and executive director of strategic initiatives at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. “Her personal mission is to instill financial literacy worldwide. Sharon’s writings and leadership, especially with women and children, demonstrate that she is uniquely positioned to change the world through education.”

# # #

About Sharon Lechter
A life-long education advocate, Sharon Lechter is co-author of the international best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad and the Rich Dad series of books. She is a CPA, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, international speaker and mother. Over 27 million copies of Rich Dad books have been sold in 50 languages in 108 countries and Rich Dad Poor Dad has been on The New York Times Best Sellers List for 328 weeks. She has been a pioneer in developing new technologies to bring education into children’s lives in ways that are innovative, challenging and fun, and remains committed to education – particularly, financial literacy.

A committed philanthropist, Sharon also gives back to the world’s communities as both a volunteer and benefactor. She is an active member of Women’s Presidents Organization and serves on the national board of Childhelp. In 2002, Childhelp honored Lechter and her husband, Michael, as recipients of the Spirit of the Children Award. In 2004, Sharon and Michael were recognized as an Arizona “Power Couple.” Sharon was honored as a 2005 Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. She serves on the Dean’s Council 100 of the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and is also a member of the advisory Board of the Spirit of Enterprise at the W.P. Carey School of Business.MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Rose
Gordon C. James Public Relations
602-274-1988
mrose@gcjpr.com

Filed under: News