They Study High School and Manage Their Own Bank at the Same Time

They study high school and manage their own bank at the same time

Prague, 11 May 2010 – The most successful young bankers met in Prague in order to set their wits in JA Banks in Action computer simulation.

A unique interactive computer simulation Banks in Action allows students to experience managing a bank and deciding on different financial parameters for their customers. “Thanks to our simulation the students are able to put themselves in the place of bankers and get to know how banks are working. We can say that it is a financial literacy education turned “upside down”, says Josef Muller, executive director of Junior Achievement.

Best results in the Banks in Action national finale showed Tomáš Hujer and Diana Vítešníková from SOŠSOUSchool in Pardubice. The two students, Jan Paprstka and Petra Hejtmánková, from VOŠSPŠESchool in Pilsen placed as second. The third place belongs to Kateřina Licková and Kristýna Svatoňová, a team again from SOŠSOUSchool in Pardubice.

"Citi Foundation’s main mission is to help individuals, families and communities to make sound financial decisions. All the projects we strategically support in the Czech Republic, in particular the long-term partnership with Junior Achievement, are in line with this objective. Students participating in "Banks in Action" have a unique opportunity to experience how banks work in a fun but realistic environment, giving them exposure to the world of global finance and helping them develop valuable skills for their everyday life and perhaps future careers" said George Denisenko, Consumer Lending Head in Citibank in the Czech Republic.

Banks in Action is a computer simulation in which the student teams (representing different fictional banks) compete on financial market. The students are allowed to get insight of bank operation, try to decide for example on interest rates and get to know some specifics of bank market. The simulation can take into account the knowledge and experience of high school students and is very easy to use. The ultimate aim of the game, apart from acquiring knowledge of decision making and operations in bank, is the development of strategic and analytic thinking as well as ability to work in a team.

-Ends-

About Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation is committed to the economic empowerment of individuals and families, particularly those in need, in the communities where we work so that they can improve their standard of living. Globally, the Citi Foundation targets its strategic giving to priority focus areas: Microfinance and Microenterprise, Small and Growing Businesses, College and Careers, and Financial Capability and AssetBuilding. The Citi Foundation works with its partners in Microfinance and Microenterprise and Small and Growing Businesses to support environmental programs and innovations. Additional information can be found at

About Citi’s Office of Financial Capability

Citi’s Office of Financial Capability combines the strength of Citi’s business, people and partnerships to empower individuals to achieve their personal finance goals and improve their quality of life. Citi takes a holistic approach to Financial Capability that encompasses four elements critical to achieving sustainable results: 1) increasing financial literacy; 2) developing short-term and long-term financial plans; 3) increasing ability to select appropriate financial products or services to implement those plans; and 4) providing ongoing support that helps consumers redefine their financial goals over the course of their lives. In 2004, Citi made an unprecedented 10-year, $200 million global commitment to support financial education. As of 2010, the company has invested over $167 million in these efforts in 73 countries around the world.

About Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is the oldest and largest non-profit educational organization in the world. It was established in 1919 in the U.S.A. Currently JA operates in more than 110 countries. Every year 10 million students aged 6 to 22 take part in JA programs.

Czech branch of Junior Achievement was founded in 1992 by TomasJ. Bata. Since then more than 215000 students took part in JA programs.JA programs are taught in grammar schools and in high schools as part of their common curriculum. The organization provides trainings for the teachers as well as methodological and educational materials for each program.

The keystone of the JA educational system is cooperation with companies. Managers lecture students, participate in the in-class programs and lead the organization through the Board of Directors. JA mediates establishment of partnerships between schools and companies that enrich the students of practical information and experience from the real business world. Junior Achievement is financed from gifts of partner companies. Among the most important partners are Bata, Citi, CEZ, Hewlett-Packard and KPMG.

Media Contact:

Citibank Europe plc, organizační složka

Branislav Cehlárik

Public Affairs Officer

Tel.: +420233061661

E-mail:

Junior Achievement, o.p.s.

Josef Müller

Executive Director

Tel: +420 602 656 120

E-mail: