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Introduced to New Jersey nearly two decades ago, the Consumer Bowl tests students’ knowledge about scams, schemes, fraud, identity theft and more.
“I was always very interested in how the world works and how companies target consumers,” said Elmwood Park Memorial High School senior Humza Yousuf.
Yousuf's school was one of 10 that competed in the Bergen County round. Leonia now goes on to an April 22 regional competition that will produce the final schools that will vie to become New Jersey's consumer knowledge champions on May 27.
Others competing Monday were from Hackensack High School, Immaculate Conception High School, Lodi High School, Lyndhurst High School, North Arlington High School, Ridgefield Park Jr./Sr. High School and Rutherford High School competed.
Teams of four to five members – some all girls, some all boys, some all seniors and others from the range of grades – faced off in rounds throughout the school day at the Bergen County Administration Building.
Bergen County currently has more schools participating than any other county in the state, said Mickey Bradley, the county’s director of consumer affairs.
What's taught can prove valuable in various circumstances, County Executive James Tedesco told the group.
“You want to know that when you go to the store that people are going to treat you correct and fairly,” Tedesco said.
Statewide, 84 schools are signed up for the 2016 Consumer Bowl. Each school is represented by a team of students who have studied consumer affairs issues and laws with a teacher/advisor.
Participants use buzzers, TV-style, to ring in and answer questions.
Schools participate free of charge. State authorities provide study materials and additional links.
All participating students receive certificates of achievement, and the winners at the county and regional level receive trophies.
First, second and third-place winners at the state finals receive individual medals and U.S. savings bonds.
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