We believe financial education should be included in school curricula in every state, in every district. The reality, however, is that states vary greatly in what financial literacy concepts, lessons, and classes are required across K-12.

Many states have formalized financial education standards, but far fewer actually require students to earn financial education credits for graduation. Having standards in place is a step in the right direction, providing guidance to school districts and educators on what financial concepts should be included in the broader curricula. Typically, it is up to districts on how best to implement standards, creating variability from one school to the next, one state to the next.

Employing financial education best practices and continual evaluation and refinement of its programming, Financial Beginnings hopes to help educators bring to their students consistent and impact-driven lessons, regardless of standards.

To see how your state compares to others in how well it delivers financial education, click below:

Brookings Institution 2018 Report in FinLit Ed Champlain College 2017 National Report Card