WASHINGTON-CUNA has created a new awards program to honor state lawmakers for their efforts to increase awareness and gather resources for youth financial literacy. CUNA's State Credit Union Subcommittee has developed the Desjardin Financial Literacy Award as part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness of the importance of financial literacy in schools. Criteria for receiving the award include: legislation requiring students to receive financial education in schools; legislation requiring teachers to take financial literacy courses to qualify for accreditation; legislation requiring schools to offer financial literacy classes; legislation establishing pilot programs or task forces to address youth financial education; legislation requiring the state or local government to develop or provide financial education materials to the schools; legislation promoting the importance of financial literacy in schools; media articles or floor statements promoting financial literacy; community outreach addressing youth financial education; and work with local school administrations to promote financial literacy. Nominations for the national award must be sent to CUNA's State Government Affairs Department by Sept. 15. The honor will be bestowed during the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference, Feb. 23 – 26, 2003 in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the subcommittee also is completing work on a handbook, "Credit Unions Support Financial Literacy in High Schools," which emphasizes the credit union commitment to financial literacy.