As we celebrate Financial Literacy Month, Visa is proud to spotlight FinEd50, a coalition co-founded by Visa and the Council for Economic Education (CEE) in 2022. In just four years, FinEd50 has expanded to include 15 additional organizations, all committed to advancing financial education in schools across the United States.
FinEd50 has made remarkable progress in advocating for financial literacy curriculum in schools. Since the coalition's inception, 14 states have adopted personal finance courses as a graduation requirement. This progress highlights the dedication of educators, students, coalition members and other advocacy organizations who have tirelessly pushed to ensure students are equipped with the critical foundational knowledge to manage money and set themselves up for future financial success.
Financial education in action: A student’s perspective
The impact of FinEd50's work is brought to life through the experiences and passions of students nationwide, like Dessa Molina, a senior at East Greenwich High School in Rhode Island, which began requiring students to complete a financial education course in 2024.
Dessa's passion for financial education shines through her podcast, "EmpowerHer Wallet", where she emphasizes the importance of saving and budgeting for young women. Her enthusiasm and commitment to financial literacy exemplify the positive influence that FinEd50 has on students, empowering them to manage their financial lives and build secure futures.
Equipping America’s educators
A cornerstone of FinEd50’s mission is to support teachers, the unsung heroes of education. Through professional development programs, the coalition has trained over 2,500 teachers, providing them with the tools and curricula needed to deliver impactful financial education. These sessions have empowered educators to confidently teach personal finance, helping students establish a strong foundation for their financial futures.
In addition to teacher training, FinEd50 has hosted events and launched initiatives to raise awareness and support for financial literacy legislation. Notably, the coalition played a crucial role in passing a groundbreaking bill in Pennsylvania. This legislation mandates that all students complete one semester of personal finance before graduation, starting in the 2026–27 school year. Strongly backed by teachers' unions, this new program is expected to provide substantial economic benefits to Pennsylvania students long into the future.
The road ahead
Looking ahead, Visa remains committed to supporting FinEd50's mission and expanding our efforts to more states. By continuing to collaborate with our coalition partners, we can ensure that every American student has access to quality financial education, empowering them to make informed financial decisions and achieve financial independence.