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PA Department of the Auditor General
Two people standing holding a poster-size copy of an activity book

Spotlight On Last Year’s Winner

Olivia Green, from Wilkes-Barre, PA, was the winner of last year’s art competition.

We visited Wilkes-Barre Area High School to present Olivia with her own copy of the activity book and a letter of recognition.

We also presented the school with a poster of Olivia’s artwork, talked with Olivia and her classmates about the importance of financial literacy and provided school officials with copies of the activity book to be handed out at the elementary level.

We plan to do the same level of recognition for winning students this year.

Spotlight On Our Partners

Last year, we partnered with CrossState Credit Union Association, the PA State Alliance of YMCAs, the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and the PA Library Association on our activity book.

Our partners joined us at the launch of the competition at the West Shore YMCA and at the PA Farm Show when we unveiled the winning cover. Throughout the competition, these partners helped us share information about the competition and coordinated events with us.

We are partnering with the same groups this year – and adding a few more!

If you’d like to partner with us, or know an organization that would, send us an email: news@paauditor.gov.

Resources

Want to help promote the competition? Here are some resources to help!

Sample email text to partners (local YMCAs, libraries, schools or other organization in your district)

Dear (NAME),

In recognition of October being Financial Planning Month, the Department of the Auditor General is hosting a student art competition for Pennsylvanians in grades K-12. Students may design or draw an image showcasing what it means to ‘Be Money Smart’ and then submit their drawing on the Auditor General’s website.

To help promote this competition, we’d like to visit (local YMCA/library/school/organization) this month with the Auditor General to hand out the contest submission template and encourage your students to participate in the competition.

Three winners will be selected this year: one at the elementary level, one at the middle school level, and one at the high school level. Winners will be recognized at a press event in November.

Additional information on the competition can be found on the Auditor General’s website.

Please reach out to (YOUR OFFICE CONTACT INFO) from our office to set up an event. Any questions related to the competition may be directed to the Auditor General’s office at news@paauditor.gov.

Looking forward to working together!

Sample newsletter text

This October, we’re joining the PA Auditor General in celebrating Financial Planning Month! Students in grades K-12 can design the cover of the department’s newest financial literacy activity book and be recognized by the Auditor General at an event in November. The submission deadline is Oct. 30. For more information and to view last year’s activity book, visit www.paauditor.gov.

Sample social media post text

For Facebook and Instagram:

This October, we’re joining the Pennsylvania Auditor General in celebrating Financial Planning month!

Students in grades K – 12 can be part of this fun, educational experience by participating in the Auditor General’s Be Money $mart Activity Book Cover Contest. Simply create a drawing or design and submit it for consideration. The winning submission will be announced by the Auditor General at the end of the month!

Learn more, access templates, and participate: bit.ly/activity-book-contest

For X:

Join us alongside the @PAAuditorGen in celebrating Financial Planning month and be part of their Be Money Smart Activity Book Cover Contest! Open to grades K – 12. More info: bit.ly/activity-book-contest

Additional resources

News coverage from last year’s activity book announcement:

PAcast 

CrossState, PA Auditor General DeFoor Partner Kick Off Financial Planning Month / THE neighborhood / CUToday.info – CU Today 

Pennsylvania Auditor General Looks For Student Artists | Local News | erienewsnow.com 

One Pennsylvania student will get to design a statewide activity book | ABC27 

Auditor General Hosting Art Contest – ButlerRadio.com – Butler, PA 

PA Students Invited to Design Cover for Be Money $mart Activity Book – Franklin County Free Press 

Auditor General, Be Money $mart Partners Kick off Financial Planning Month with New Art Contest for PA Students – PennWatch 

Auditor General DeFoor, Be Money $mart partners kick off financial planning month with new art contest for PA students – ScoopUSANews 

PA Student Art Contest: Financial Planning Month | Auditor General DeFoor – News Usa Today 

One Pennsylvania student will get to design a statewide activity book 

CrossState partnership launches new financial planning month contest | America’s Credit Unions 

Auditor general, Be Money $mart partners kick off Financial Planning Month – The Bradford Era 

8th Grade Student Recognized by PA Auditor General 

Pennsylvania Department
of the Auditor General