ORNL Federal Credit Union (FCU) today announced it is sponsoring a free financial literacy curriculum called FoolProof® Tennessee for all high school teachers throughout the State, with the sole purpose of arming students with the truth about personal finance.

The unique, web-based curriculum promises to tell kids what they really need to know about money, and is designed to give teachers more valuable time to teach by doing virtually all of the administrative work, automatically registering students, grading tests, and allowing teachers to monitor students from any computer connected online.

"Never have consumers been more concerned about their personal finances and less prepared to deal with them," said Chris Johnson, President & CEO of ORNL Federal Credit Union. "Financial literacy and education is a key focus area for ORNL FCU's community relations and outreach, and FoolProof is one of several exciting initiatives that we have planned. The FoolProof curriculum is very teacher and student friendly and is fully compliant with the state's curriculum requirements. We believe this issue is vital, which is why we're making it available to teachers throughout the State of Tennessee."

FoolProof has been developed by a nationally-recognized group of consumer advocates with the input from thousands of teachers and students. It advocates for the student, not for any company, product, or service. Because of its no-nonsense approach to personal financial literacy, FoolProof is the only curriculum in the United States that is endorsed by both the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the Consumer Federation of America. FoolProof is also a national sponsor of the Jump$tart Coalition.

"The FoolProof curriculum emphasizes the importance of questioning sellers, using caution, and relying on independent research before spending money," said Will deHoo, President & CEO of FoolProof. "Our messages are realistic and frank and are what we all want our students to hear. It's time to stop blindly believing in the marketing and advertising hype and start thinking."

The FoolProof curriculum is already being taught for credit in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Washington State. It is also officially endorsed and promoted by Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maine, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and New York. During 2013, the curriculum received more than 17 million page views directly from high school students nationwide.

For more information on ORNL FCU's FoolProof Tennessee program, teachers and administrators can visit www.foolprooftennessee.com. Media interviews are available upon request.

About ORNL Federal Credit Union

ORNL Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative locally owned and operated by its members for the benefit of all who belong. Established in 1948 with 10 founding members, ORNL Federal Credit Union's assets have grown to over $1.4 billion and membership has grown to over 160,000. Open to businesses and anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the 16 counties of Central East Tennessee, ORNL Federal Credit Union currently serves members in 32 branches located throughout Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Hamblen, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Roane, Sevier, and Union counties.

About The FoolProof Foundation

The FoolProof Foundation's core mission is to teach consumers the importance of using caution, questioning sellers, and relying on independent research before spending money. The Foundation partners with community organizations and other not-for-profits to help us provide the widest possible exposure to our interactive, online programs. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.foolprooffoundation.com.

Ackermann PR
Jeff Hooper, 865-584-0550