The Council for Economic Education (CEE) has been working for 75 years to make personal finance education a requirement for high school students across the country. Their mission is to equip K-12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. The 2024 Survey of the States reveals that opportunities have greatly improved for young people to learn essential personal finance knowledge, with 12 states passing legislation requiring all students to take a stand-alone course in personal finance to graduate from high school.
According to Nan J. Morrison, CEE President & CEO, requiring high schools to teach principles of personal finance and economics creates equity and possibility for students. Putting this life-essential financial knowledge into the hands of more kids is a cause for celebration. Research shows the positive impact that at least a semester of personal finance education can have on young people’s financial decisions in early adulthood. 88% of U.S. adults agree that their state should require a personal finance course for high school graduation. Panelist Kevin Morgan, a CEE Master Teacher, emphasizes that personal finance is the most important course a student will ever take.
In 2023, 12 states passed legislation requiring all students to take a stand-alone course in personal finance, leading to over 10 million additional students gaining guaranteed access to this knowledge. One success story is Pennsylvania, where State Senator Chris Gebhard prioritized passing legislation to require personal finance education in schools. Gebhard emphasizes the importance of advocacy in getting legislation passed, stating that finding someone who wants to champion the idea is crucial. He believes that providing financial education to young adults can have a positive impact on their future.
To help strengthen economic and personal finance education, individuals can take action by requesting a course in their school or district, calling for the professional development that teachers want, promoting standards and course requirements at the state level, and contacting the Council for Economic Education or their local CEE affiliate. By working together to make personal finance education a priority in schools across the country, we can help young people make better decisions and reach their full life-long economic potential.
