Last May during the 2016 Mid-Year adjustments to CPSC’s Operating Plan, then-Commissioner Buerkle and I jointly proposed the creation of a Youth Incentive Program. Our goal was to educate young people about the CPSC so as to improve the effectiveness of product recalls in the future. Thanks to the hard work of the CPSC communications team and the creative team at YMI­, we have realized that goal. I am delighted to announce our new youth incentive program, the Consumer Protection Safety All-Stars.

The Consumer Protection Safety All-Stars is a free lesson plan that incorporates standards-based activities designed for elementary and middle school students ages 8-12 in grades 3-7. This program teaches children to identify recalled products; informs them of the importance of product safety warnings; and encourages them to share their consumer product safety knowledge with their families, friends, and communities. The entire training, including the activities, facilitation guides, power-point presentation, and handouts in both English and Spanish, is available to download free of charge. It is my hope that schools and educators across the country will utilize this fun and interactive program in their classrooms.

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s consumers. It is important that these future consumers understand (1) what a recall is, (2) how to be notified, and (3) how to take advantage of the recall. Together, let’s make sure the next generation is equipped to make informed decisions about product safety.

For more information or to download any of the Consumer Protection Safety All-Stars materials, please visit: http://ymiclassroom.com/lesson-plans/cpsc/.