The Case for Prioritizing F.L.E.C. Education: Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Career Readiness

By Vince Shorb, NFEC CEO

In today’s rapidly changing world, education must evolve to meet students’ practical needs, equipping them with the skills to navigate a complex global economy. Yet despite this necessity, our current education system remains stuck in a model that prioritizes traditional subjects over practical life skills. Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Career Readiness (F.L.E.C.) subjects address these gaps, providing students with the tools to build stable, independent lives. It is time we make F.L.E.C. education a cornerstone of school curricula across the United States.

The Importance of F.L.E.C. Subjects

Imagine graduating from high school, stepping into adulthood, and being completely unprepared to manage your money, start a business, or even write a professional resume. For millions of young people, this situation isn’t hypothetical – it’s reality. F.L.E.C. subjects teach skills that students will use throughout their lives, such as how to create a budget, understand credit, navigate career pathways, and develop entrepreneurial mindsets. These skills are not just helpful, they are essential to success in the modern world.

Financial Literacy

Lays the foundation for personal and professional well-being, equipping students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about earning, saving, and investing money. With rising student debt, increasing costs of living, and economic uncertainty, young people need to understand how to manage their financial futures. Yet financial literacy education is woefully inadequate, with the average student receiving less than 20 hours of instruction across their entire school career.

Entrepreneurship

The engine driving innovation and economic growth. Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking not only prepares students to start businesses, but also develops critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. These traits are valuable whether students choose to become entrepreneurs or work for established companies. Yet entrepreneurship education is often an afterthought, with few schools offering meaningful programs.

Career Readiness

Prepares students to enter the workforce with confidence, going beyond basic job skills to include career exploration, professional communication, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing job market. While some schools offer Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, they are not universally accessible, leaving many students without the preparation they need to thrive professionally.

The Gap in Current Education Mandates

Despite their importance, F.L.E.C. subjects are notably absent from most school curricula. Currently:

  • Financial literacy is mandated in only about half of U.S. states, and even where it is required, the instruction is minimal and inconsistent.
  • Entrepreneurship courses are rarely required for graduation, and programs that do exist are often limited in scope.
  • Career readiness programs, while available in some schools, are frequently overshadowed by college-preparatory tracks that fail to address the diverse needs of all students.

This lack of emphasis on F.L.E.C. education leaves students unprepared to face the challenges of adulthood. As a result, young people often graduate without the skills they need to achieve financial stability or pursue meaningful careers. The consequences are evident: rising debt levels, stagnant wages, and a growing skills gap in the workforce.

Learning from STEM’s Success

The success of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education provides a blueprint for how we can elevate F.L.E.C. subjects. Over the past decade, STEM has benefited from significant investment, strong branding, and advocacy from influential organizations. As a result, STEM education is now a core part of most school curricula, and students are encouraged to pursue careers in those fields.

While STEM plays a crucial role in driving innovation, it is worth noting that STEM-related careers account for only 6.4% of the job market, with modest growth projections. In contrast, F.L.E.C. subjects have universal applicability. Every student, regardless of their career path, benefits from understanding how to manage money, explore entrepreneurial opportunities, and prepare for the workforce. By modeling the advocacy strategies used to promote STEM, we can ensure that F.L.E.C. education receives the attention and resources it deserves.

6.4%

“of STEM-related in Job Market”

Why F.L.E.C. Education Is Universally Relevant

One of the most compelling arguments for F.L.E.C. education is its universal relevance. While not every student will become a scientist, engineer, or mathematician, every student will need to manage their finances, navigate career opportunities, and adapt to a changing economy. These are life skills that transcend industries, demographics, and geographic locations.

Consider the following scenarios:

A student who learns about budgeting and saving in high school avoids falling into credit card debt after graduation.

A young entrepreneur who develops their first business plan in a school program grows their idea into a thriving small business, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.

A student who participates in career readiness workshops graduates with a clear understanding of their interests and the steps needed to achieve their goals, whether through college, vocational training, or direct entry into the workforce.

These examples illustrate how F.L.E.C. education can empower students to take control of their futures, regardless of their chosen paths.

Advocating for Policy Change

To make F.L.E.C. education a national priority, we must advocate for policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels. Key steps include:

Mandating Comprehensive Financial Literacy Education
States should require standalone financial literacy courses for graduation, with a minimum number of instructional hours to ensure that students gain meaningful knowledge.

Integrating Entrepreneurship into Curricula
Schools should offer entrepreneurship education as a core subject, encouraging students to think creatively and develop business skills.

Expanding Career Readiness Programs
Career readiness should be a fundamental part of every student’s education, with opportunities for internships, mentorships, and hands-on learning.

Providing Resources and Training for Educators
Teachers need access to high-quality resources and professional development to effectively deliver F.L.E.C. content.

Building Partnerships with Businesses and Communities
Collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations can enhance F.L.E.C. programs and provide students with real-world experiences.

The Role of Parents and Communities

Parents and communities also play a crucial role in advancing F.L.E.C. education. By advocating for these subjects at school board meetings, supporting local programs, and teaching financial literacy at home, families can help ensure that young people are prepared for life beyond the classroom. Community organizations, too, can contribute by offering workshops, mentorship opportunities, and funding for F.L.E.C. initiatives.

A Vision for the Future

Imagine a future where every student graduates from high school equipped with the knowledge and skills to achieve financial independence, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and excel in their careers. This is not an unattainable dream – it is a realistic goal that can be achieved through intentional investment in F.L.E.C. education.

By prioritizing Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Career Readiness, we can create a generation of young people who are not only prepared to navigate life’s challenges but also empowered to seize opportunities and drive positive change in their communities. The time to act is now. Let’s make F.L.E.C. education a national priority and give our students the tools they need to build a better future.

Sign the Petition to Encourage FLEC Subjects in Schools

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NFEC’s United for Financial Literacy Campaign Champions F.L.E.C. Education Nationwide

Become a Part of the United for Financial Literacy Advocacy Committee

The United for Financial Literacy Advocacy Committee was established to support educators teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness, while also highlighting the critical importance of these subjects for the financial health of individuals and communities nationwide.

Alliance members urge educators, policymakers, parents, and citizens to prioritize F.L.E.C. education as an essential part of school curricula, ensuring that students from elementary to high school are prepared for financial and professional success.

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https://www.FLECsubjects.org

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/FLEC-subjects/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/flec-alliance/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jrCzpStzkU&t=115s

The U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission’s Best Practices for Financial Literacy

The Wall Street Journal on methods of teaching financial skills to children.

F.L.E.C. Subjects Have a Direct Impact on the Future Financial Security of Our Nation’s Youth

(Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Career Education)

The F.L.E.C. Alliance was formed to provide resources for those who teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career education while raising awareness about the vital role these subjects have on the financial well-being of individuals and communities across the country.

Members of the F.L.E.C. Alliance are calling upon educators, policymakers, parents and the general public to:

Make F.L.E.C. education a national priority for students from elementary through high school.
Encourage teachers to use the complimentary resources provided to deliver F.L.E.C. programming.
Encourage parents to rally around this important social cause to ensure that future generations are financially prepared for life.

Why F.L.E.C.?

Subjects currently taught via public education and parents leave students ill-prepared for the world they’ll face in adulthood. Nearly all students will leave school lacking crucial knowledge, a failure that could lead them down a path of long-term financial insecurity.

F.L.E.C. subjects have a direct relationship with our youth’s ability to earn and manage their money; yet they are missing from most school curricula and not taught at home. Put simply:

Financial Literacy education helps people acquire the knowledge and behaviors they need to make informed, qualified financial decisions about their money.
Entrepreneurship and career education provide the skill sets necessary to earn money, both for daily life and to pursue longer-term goals.

The ability to earn, manage, and invest money lies at the heart of financial security. The math is simple: Higher Income Potential + Increased Knowledge on how to Manage Finances + Development of Positive Financial Habits = Greater Potential for Financial Security.

Isn’t giving our children financial security and the knowledge they need to live the lifestyles they desire the real education we want our high school graduates to gain?

Get Involved: Sign to Support & Get Advocacy Updates

The National Financial Educators Council welcomes those who are passionate about the movement to promote F.L.E.C. education to join the Alliance. Sign this petition if you believe today’s youth should be given skills that directly relate to their financial health and earning power. Your support to promote this cause is greatly appreciated.

F.L.E.C.: Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Career Education