The California Department of Financial Institutions said Tuesdayit had reached an agreement with FoolProof, the Florida consumeradvocacy initiative adopted by state leagues, to start offeringfinancial literacy curriculum in schools, colleges, military basesand among senior citizens groups across the state.

DFI said the partnering venture will feature "consumerprogramming for both adults and school age youngsters to bepromoted year-round."

The venture is slated for a public kickoff and media tour April4 during Financial Literacy Month.

"Financial literacy empowers Californians to make wise financialdecisions," explained Alana Golden, consumer education and outreachmanager for DFI. "We are pleased to partner with FoolProof to offerinnovative and comprehensive financial programs for residents ofall ages."

In an expansion of its existing arrangement with CU-backedliteracy programs at 15 state leagues, FoolProof said it would betargeting specific FoolProof suites to specific constituencies."For instance our 'Solo' program will be promoted to the military,while 'workplace skills' will be promoted to the underserved, andour consumer website for adults will be featuring special videosaimed at women's groups and at senior citizens," said Will deHoo,FoolProof's founder.

FoolProof Chairman Remar Sutton said the FoolProof CaliforniaProject will showcase credit unions' unique role in consumeradvocacy. "Because we are developing special California elements ofour programs, and investing a good bit in those programs, we'regoing to be relying on a single large credit union in each majorCalifornia metropolitan area to help FoolProof promote theproject,"

The California programs, he said, will be available on creditunions' websites as well as those of state agencies andnongovernmental groups that join the partnership.