Financial Empowerment Education Act

To prepare youth for the financial realities of life, high schools must dedicate more time and rigor to financial education. The Financial Empowerment Education Act proposes 8 semesters (4 years) of comprehensive coursework to equip students with the essential skills, behaviors, and knowledge to earn, manage, and save money effectively. It emphasizes creating a basic financial plan and foundational knowledge of investments and long-term planning, setting students up for lasting success.

As a “messaging bill,” the act highlights the urgent need for rigorous financial literacy education, even if not immediately passed into law. It underscores the importance of preparing students to make informed financial decisions and aims to become pivotal legislation benefiting future generations.

There are two Core Objectives of the Financial Empowerment Education Act:

1. Elevate Financial Education Standards

Ensure that financial education mandates match the rigor and quality of other core subjects.

Accredited Financial Literacy Professional℠ Requirements

2. Prepare Students for Real-World Finances

Equip every student to graduate ready for immediate financial decisions, setting them on a path toward financial well-being.

This act underscores the NFEC’s commitment to making financial literacy a critical educational priority.

Problems with Current Financial Literacy Mandates

Current financial literacy legislation lacks a cohesive program structure, failing to ensure meaningful learning and long-term impact. Most students receive less than 25 hours of financial education, often integrated within other subjects rather than offered as dedicated courses with the depth and rigor of core classes. Without ongoing education, students gain only a surface-level understanding, limiting their preparedness for real-world financial challenges.

Additionally, lesson plans, educator qualifications, and program leadership are inadequately addressed. Content rarely aligns with real financial events and often lacks adaptation for socio-economic differences, while there are few requirements for qualified instructors or experienced program leaders. Limited program support further hinders effectiveness, with inadequate funding, minimal parental involvement, and scarce early education options – all of which significantly reduce the reach and impact of financial literacy efforts.

Research-Driven Insights: Download the Whitepaper That Informs the Bill

This report is designed to help policymakers implement financial education programs that have a measurable impact on students’ near- and long-term financial health. High school-level coursework is particularly crucial, as it represents the last proactive opportunity to prevent immediate financial problems and set graduates on a path toward greater financial wellness.

Financial Empowerment Education Act Tackles Gaps in Financial Literacy Standards

This bill was designed around research-based educational standards used in other core high school subjects, ensuring that financial education meets the rigorous requirements expected in other areas. Key standards include:

CFEI℠ Requirements

Program Structure

  • Delivered in standalone classes and integrated into other subjects.
  • Assign adequate time and level of rigor to the subject matter.
  • Conduct ongoing education to support long-term outcomes.

Lesson Plans

  • Relevant content that prepares students for financial life events.
  • Adopt a proven curriculum that encourages higher-order thinking and application.
  • Customize lesson plans based on socioeconomic status.
Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ Requirements

Educators & Leadership

  • Courses led by highly-qualified personal finance educators.
  • Program development and deployment managed by experienced leaders.
  • Learner outcomes focused on long-term financial wellness and early indicators.

Program Support

  • Fund financial literacy programs.

  • Encourage parental involvement and provide parents with access to resources.

  • Start financial education courses in elementary school.

Draft of Bill – Public Comments

This is the initial draft of the Financial Empowerment Education Act. We are seeking feedback from individuals passionate about elevating financial education standards to ensure they meet or exceed the rigor and quality of other core academic subjects. Our goal is to equip students with the essential skills needed to navigate real-world financial situations with confidence and competence.

We welcome insights and feedback from policymakers, school administrators, personal finance experts, and all advocates actively engaged in financial education. Your input is invaluable as we work together to shape a future where every student is financially empowered.

Please share your thoughts and suggestions with us. Be sure to leave your name and email so we can credit you as a contributor to this important initiative.