Allianz Life Pledges $600,000 for Financial Literacy Programs With BestPrep and Junior Achievement

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life®) today announced that it has extended its financial literacy programs with BestPrep and Junior Achievement targeting Twin Cities’ youth. The donation extends the relationship through 2015 with each organization receiving $100,000 per year for a total of $600,000, as well as substantial volunteer hours by Allianz Life employees.

“The collaboration leverages the strengths and expertise of both organizations to empower young people with the tools and knowledge to be financially responsible. This is a partnership with real results and we're looking forward to another impactful three years.”

“Financial education among young people is lacking and this gap merits more attention from both business and community leaders,” said Allianz Life President and CEO Walter White. “Equipping young people with skills and knowledge to make informed financial decisions is essential for their success. If Allianz Life can help young people learn how to make good financial decisions early in their lives, they will be better prepared to understand the value of saving and planning to reach their goals.”

In order to assist BestPrep and Junior Achievement in bringing financial education to Minnesota school children, in 2010 Allianz Life launched a Financial Literacy Council made up of 10 executives from across the company. Since the programs began, more than 700 Allianz Life volunteers have worked with hundreds of K-12 students in the hands-on programs led by BestPrep and Junior Achievement in classrooms, business camps, and email mentoring.

BestPrep is a statewide, nonprofit organization with a mission to best prepare Minnesota students with business, career and financial literacy skills through experiences that inspire success in work and life. BestPrep has served 1.3 million students and teachers since its founding in 1976.

“Allianz Life continues to be one of our strongest partners in terms of their commitment to assuring that all students will be financially capable,” said BestPrep CEO Bob Kaitz. “Their volunteer participation is exemplary and has made a profound impact on us accomplishing our mission.”

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest serves students in Minnesota, North Dakota, and portions of Wisconsin. JA programs are delivered by volunteers who provide relevant, hands-on experiences giving students in grades K-12 knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. This school year, Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest will reach 139,000 students in this region.

“Junior Achievement is thrilled to have this partnership with Allianz Life and its colleagues here in the Twin Cities region,” said Gin Blayney, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest. “The collaboration leverages the strengths and expertise of both organizations to empower young people with the tools and knowledge to be financially responsible. This is a partnership with real results and we're looking forward to another impactful three years.”

For more information about Allianz Life’s community giving programs, visit Allianz Life Community Outreach.

About Allianz Life
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2012, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 142,000 employees worldwide. More than 78 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.