NEWARK - The Division of Consumer Affairs will host the tenth annual New Jersey High School Consumer Bowl, with the first round of competition to begin in Bergen County today. High schools around the state will participate in the statewide quiz show-style competition created in 1997 to teach young adults about consumer issues, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Director Kimberly Ricketts announced today.

"The annual Consumer Bowl helps us provide New Jersey's younger residents with the knowledge that will make them informed consumers,"said Director Ricketts. "By studying for and participating in this competition, students gain the knowledge and power to protect themselves from dishonest business practices." The New Jersey High School Consumer Bowl is similar to old game shows such as "It's Academic" and the "College Bowl." The competition matches teams of high school students against each other, first in county events, then in regional competitions and ultimately in the state finals held in Trenton. The finals will be held in May. Competing students answer questions on relevant consumer-related topics such as buying and leasing cars, identity theft and Internet fraud.

To date, 76 schools will participate in the program this year. In 2005, 55 schools participated in the Consumer Bowl. The 2005 winner was Linden High School in Union County.

"According to Teenage Research Unlimited, the U. S. population currently includes 33 million teens aged 12 to 19 who spent $169 billion in 2004," added Ricketts. "In fact, the 15 - 23 age group is the largest demographic group of consumers, second only to senior citizens, in the marketplace today. These young people need to know how to spend their money wisely and not be victimized by fraud - and our Consumer Bowl will teach them how to be smart consumers."

This year's Consumer Bowl competition is dedicated to Bettye Cabell Brown, a loyal public servant who worked for the Division of Consumer Affairs for twenty-five years. Bettye died late last year after a long battle with cancer. Before beginning her career in consumer protection, Bettye worked as a teacher, and, throughout her life, she remained dedicated to the education and preparation of New Jersey's children. Consequently, the Consumer Bowl competition was very close to her heart and combined her two passions in one event. In this spirit, the 2006 Consumer Bowl competition will be held in her honor.

###