Googolplex Revamped

MADISON, Wis. – Googolplex: The CU Guide for Student Moneymakers, the on-line youth magazine from CUNA, is sporting a fresh, upbeat and more user-friendly design just in time for summer. The revamped Googolplex is a result of feedback from three various age groups on the youth editorial board who not only guide design changes, but also subject content. As part of the improvements, for the youngest members, Googolplex provides more `moving parts.’ For middle school students, better navigation, and more `flash.’ For high school students, a more collegiate theme, and easier access to story archives covering topics ranging from using money wisely, to getting along in the world of increasing responsibility. In addition, games offer challenging puzzles and quizzes. The new Googolplex also offers improved differentiation of the three reading and interest levels. Five-Spot Clubhouse features 10-year-old cartoon characters in their treehouse. 5-Spot Clubhouse helps elementary students address basic money concepts such as saving and spending; AJ’s Mall features 17-year-old students at the mall. AJ’s Mall addresses popular middle school topics such as making friends, getting rich, and shopping; and C-Note University opens with real-life photos of young college students. C-Note includes top-notch content that offers financial and personal advice for high school students (and their parents) on topics such as cars, college, getting rich, and shopping. “Our goal is to keep young members coming back to our subscriber credit unions’ Web sites to learn about financial topics through a fun format,” said Philip Heckman, director of youth programs/Googolplex editor in CUNA’s Center for Personal Finance. According to Heckman, the nation’s youth are one of the most Internet-savvy groups, and Googolplex remains one of the best ways to communicate with them and improve financial literacy. Last year Googolplex broke all records, appearing on more than 800 subscriber credit union Web sites nationally.