Annual Awards
Each April, the Jump$tart Coalition recognizes leadership and outstanding achievement in the effort to advance the financial literacy of students.
The William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award honors Bill Odom, former chairman of Ford Motor Credit Company, whose vision led to the creation of the Jump$tart Coalition. This award recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to financial education and the financial literacy effort.
Introduced in 2004 as the Federal Legislator Award, it initially recognized current members of the U.S. Congress who had demonstrated support for financial education and youth financial literacy. In 2010, the award was renamed the Federal Leadership Award to include non-elected leaders of the federal government.
Jump$tart’s State Coalition of the Year Award was first suggested by Dr. Lew Mandell, one of the Jump$tart Coalitions founding board members, and was introduced by Jump$tart in 2005. This award is an important recognition of the significant contribution of Jump$tart’s affiliated state coalitions.
First presented in 2016 as a special recognition, the award was formalized in 2017 as the Innovation Award. It recognizes organizations that are using unique and innovative ways to reach the next generation of American consumers.
Honorees are selected by a committee of Jump$tart Board Members. If you have a recommendation for the committee to consider, please email josh.sandler@jumpstart.org.
Federal Leadership Award Innovation Award Odom Visionary Leadership Award
The Jump$tart Coalition Annual Awards Dinner is made possible by many generous sponsors; to learn more contact Director of Development and Partnerships Josh Sandler.