Ernst & Young Joins With PBS to Improve Math Literacy

Ernst & Young Joins With PBS to Improve Math Literacy

Firm sponsors award-winning math mystery cartoon CYBERCHASE

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP has joined forces with Thirteen/WNET and leading community organizations to improve math literacy for children nationwide. The firm announced today its sponsorship of the award-winning children's television series, CYBERCHASE, which teaches kids aged 8-12 math concepts in a fun and understandable way.

As part of the sponsorship, Ernst & Young employees will work locally with community organizations to bring the CYBERCHASE lessons to children through fun, educational workshops. This new relationship with PBS demonstrates the firm's ongoing commitment to community engagement around education and mentoring for current and future generations.

Recent data show that declining math and science skills among American youth could threaten U.S. competitiveness and long-term economic stability. According to a 2006 Educational Testing System survey, more than 76% of Americans believe that if America's next generation does not improve its skills in math, science and engineering, it risks becoming the first generation of Americans worse off economically than their parents. What's more, 64% of Americans believe that if we fail to take action, our ability to remain globally competitive will be compromised within the next decade.

"Developing math skills among young people is critically important for America's long-term competitiveness and economic stability and our business is closely tied to math and problem solving. We are proud to give our people the opportunity to use their everyday skills to help children in our communities through this dynamic CYBERCHASE sponsorship," said Steve Howe, Americas Area Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP.

"We are delighted to have Ernst & Young working with CYBERCHASE as we enter our fifth season," said Tamara E. Robinson, Vice President and Director of Programming for Thirteen/WNET. "They are a powerful endorsement as we continue to foster a positive impact on the lives of children." Executive Producer Sandra Sheppard added, "Through its entertaining stories, CYBERCHASE makes math come alive in ways that build kids' confidence and empowers them for the future. Ernst & Young will be a great addition to the CYBERCHASE team."

CYBERCHASE inspires children to approach math with confidence and a "can- do" attitude in the critical years when too many decide they do not like or are not good at the subject. In addition to the television program, CYBERCHASE has an interactive Web component (pbskidsgo.org/cyberchase) which includes puzzles, lesson plans, and print activities carefully designed to support math.

About CYBERCHASE

Since its premiere on PBS KIDS in 2002, the award-winning math mystery cartoon CYBERCHASE has used humor, action and adventure to get kids excited -- and confident -- about math and problem solving skills. The series has been recognized with many awards, including the Parents' Choice Award, the CINE Golden Eagle and the Telly. CYBERCHASE appears on more than 340 PBS stations and digital channels across the U.S. and reaches more than 5 million viewers weekly.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to restoring the public's trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 114,000 people in 140 countries pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism in providing a range of sophisticated services centered on our core competencies of auditing, accounting, tax, and transactions. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at www.ey.com/perspectives. Ernst & Young refers to all the members of the global Ernst & Young organization.

Source: Ernst & Young

CONTACT: Holly Humphrey of Ernst & Young, +1-212-773-2439,
holly.humphrey@ey.com; or Edward Gregory, Thirteen/WNET New York,
+1-212-560-3021, Gregory@thirteen.org

Web site: http://www.ey.com/
http://www.ey.com/perspectives
http://pbskids.org/cyberchase

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