Priya Patel
TLDR:
Half of U.S. states now offer personal finance classes for high school students. Pennsylvania recently passed a bill to become the 25th state to guarantee a personal finance course for high schoolers, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Topics covered include budgeting, saving, credit management, investing, and understanding loans and interest rates.
Article Summary:
Half of U.S. states now offer standalone personal finance courses for high school students, with Pennsylvania being the 25th state to pass a bill requiring such a course. Sponsored by Senator Chris Gebhard, the bill aims to provide students with basic financial concepts before entering adulthood and the workforce. The course will cover topics such as budgeting, saving, credit management, investing, and understanding loans and interest rates. The bill received bipartisan support and backing from various groups such as parents, business organizations, nonprofits, and educators.
Ensuring that high school students have a solid foundation in personal finance is crucial for their future financial well-being. By offering these courses, states are equipping students with essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of managing money, making wise financial decisions, and planning for their futures.
