Financial Literacy in Schools as a Path to Better Economic Outcomes for Texas - Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Kids' financial future can be shaped by what they learn to do for themselves with their first income. A couple of new programs aim to support young Texans' financial literacy.
In December 2009 Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the National Financial Capability Challenge. . . an awards program designed to increase the financial knowledge and capability of high school-aged youth across the United States so they can take control of their financial futures. It challenges high school teachers and other educators to teach the basics of personal finance to their students, and rewards students, educators, schools, and states for their participation and success. For more information, and to help your community ensure that youth have the financial knowledge and tools they need to succeed, visit http://www.challenge.treas.gov/.
National leaders at the Treasury and Education Departments are working to get one million high school students to take the Challenge, which includes a voluntary online exam. Educators need to register for the Challenge by March 14th. Registered participants will have access to a variety of resources, including a toolkit designed to help them teach core financial capability concepts.
Additionally, Financial Fitness Greater Austin alerted us to its awareness week April 24-May 1, when capital-area residents are invited to free seminars and more to learn about financial issues. In advance of that, students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in the "$mart Kids" Essay Contest, where cash prizes of up to $4,500 will be awarded for winning submissions. The deadline is April 12. Learn more about the essay contest here.
