DoSomething.org and H&R Block’s philanthropic program, H&R Block Dollars & Sense, have teamed up to engage teenagers in a new campaign they hope will overcome the demographic’s typical lack of personal finance knowledge.

“The Craziest Thing I Did to Save Money,” launched Feb. 28, encourages young people to share stories about quirky and off-beat ways they have saved up, and in return receive advice about managing finances and a chance to win more than $30,000 in scholarships.

Teens can participate through Facebook, a text message game or videos.

Electro-pop group Far East Movement starred in a public service announcement to promote the campaign, and several New York-based improvisational comedians created short videos on themes ranging from cheap dates to spring break on a budget, to be released weekly.

"Research shows teens really do want to learn money management skills while they're young – they know it will help them avoid costly mistakes after graduation," said Susan Ehrlich, president of financial services for H&R Block, in a statement. "This campaign is a fun way to address the issue of personal finance and help teens make smart choices about money."

The campaign, which runs from Feb. 28 through April 30, gives teens three ways to participate:

• The Craziest Thing I Did to Save Money Facebook app, where they can upload photos, stories and advice to share with friends and receive money-saving advice. Participants have a chance to win a $4,000 scholarship.
• Via mobile, by texting “WYR” to 38383 and typing out ridiculous ways to save money in exchange for tips on saving.
• The “Mind On My Money & Money On My Mind” toolkit, which includes interactive activities, an online personal finance game and other resources, as well as a chance to win more than $30,000 in scholarships by using it.

"Most people wish they learned more about managing money when they were younger," stated Greg Thomas, campaigns manager at DoSomething.org, a national organization that launches social change campaigns for teens. "With the Craziest Thing campaign we hope to create a community around these shared experiences that leads to teens becoming more financially literate while having some fun."

To participate in the campaign or view the Far East Movement PSA, visit dosomething.org/crazy.

•    The Craziest Thing I Did to Save Money Facebook app, where they can upload photos, stories and advice to share with friends and receive money-saving advice. Participants have a chance to win a $4,000 scholarship.

•    Via mobile, by texting “WYR” to 38383 and typing out ridiculous ways to save money in exchange for tips on saving.

•    The “Mind On My Money & Money On My Mind” toolkit, which includes interactive activities, an online personal finance game and other resources, as well as a chance to win more than $30,000 in scholarships by using it.

"Most people wish they learned more about managing money when they were younger," stated Greg Thomas, campaigns manager at DoSomething.org, a national organization that launches social change campaigns for teens. "With the Craziest Thing campaign we hope to create a community around these shared experiences that leads to teens becoming more financially literate while having some fun."

To participate in the campaign or view the Far East Movement PSA, visit dosomething.org/crazy.