The partnership will combine the outreach efforts of both organizations -- the Women's Bureau's Wi$e Up financial literacy program and AICPA's 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy -- to create an all-inclusive financial education program for women.

"The AICPA and the Women's Bureau are committed to increasing the percentage of women who take positive steps towards securing their financial future and planning for retirement,' said Women's Bureau Director Shinae Chun. "The partnership will provide the Wi$e Up program with financial experts from the AICPA in support of our on-line program, teleconference calls, and Women's Bureau financial education workshops and conferences,' said Chun.

In March 2004, the Women's Bureau launched a financial education project called Wi$e Up for Generation X women ages 22 to 35. The cornerstone of Wi$e Up is a financial education curriculum offered on-line with a mentoring component and classroom educational programs.

"The AICPA has long been an advocate of financial literacy and, in particular, financial literacy for women,' said Anat Kendal, AICPA director of financial planning. "We and the Women's Bureau share similar goals of educating women and empowering them to take control of their financial destiny.'

AICPA's 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy was launched with the support of state CPA societies. The program encourages CPA's to take a broad leadership role in volunteering to educate the American public, from school children to retirees, on financial topics.