At the dawn of a new school year, the momentum for guaranteed financial education grows! Whether you're a veteran NGPF community member or brand new, we're honored to join you on the journey toward financial empowerment for all students. Today, we'd like to introduce you - or perhaps reintroduce you - to NGPF's Mission 2030.

What is Mission 2030?

By the year 2030, NGPF aims to guarantee that every U.S. high school student takes a standalone personal finance course before graduation. Why? managing money effectively is a skill that will serve students throughout their lives. The wonderful thing is... this incredible community is on track to achieve this ambitious goal.

Why "Guaranteed" Matters

You might be wondering why we use the word “guarantee” instead of “require.” Functionally, they mean the same thing, but there is an important distinction.

The word “requirement” carries an ominous weight in education. It suggests something obligatory added to an already full plate of responsibilities for both students and teachers. The term can sometimes (understandably) evoke resistance, particularly when policymakers, administrators, and educators feel like their autonomy is being encroached upon.

“Guaranteed” shifts the conversation in a more productive direction with stakeholders. When we say every student will be guaranteed a personal finance course, we emphasize equal access to a critical life skill. We’re not just adding another box to check; we’re making a promise to students, families, and communities that financial education will be delivered meaningfully and comprehensively. Let's ensure that all students, regardless of their zipcode, build financial literacy skills to thrive in their lives.

The Power of a Standalone Course

Some states have implemented policies where personal finance is embedded within other subjects, such as economics or math. While this approach might meet a technical requirement, it often falls short of providing students with comprehensive financial education. Research shows that in states with embedded requirements, only 39% of students actually receive personal finance instruction. That’s not a guarantee—that’s a gap.

A standalone course, on the other hand, dedicates time and resources specifically to personal finance, allowing students to explore topics like budgeting, investing, credit, and career planning in depth. This focused approach not only equips students with essential knowledge but also fosters confidence and empowers them to make informed decisions as they step into adulthood. And it works.

May the Mission 2030 force be with you

At the heart of Mission 2030 is you. You bring this curriculum to life in your classrooms every day. You promote your class so more students get financial education in your school. You stand up at school board meetings and state legislative hearings calling for this common sense change in the way we prepare the next generation for the real world.

NGPF is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're here for comprehensive personal finance curriculum, engaging professional development opportunities, or a vibrant educator community you can lean on, you're in the right place!

How you can get involved

There are lots of ways to get involved in Mission 2030. Here are a few steps you can take today:

• Spread the word. Share the importance of guaranteed personal finance education with your colleagues, administrators, and community members. The more people understand the impact of financial education, the stronger our collective voice becomes. Try #Mission2030 on social media.
• Advocate locally. Check out NGPF's local advocacy toolkit to get started.
• Keep up to date with the Mission 2030 movement. Stay updated on the latest in financial education policy on NGPF’s LIVE U.S. Dashboard and LIVE Financial Education Bill Tracker. As of now, 26 states representing 64% of all U.S. public high schoolers have already guaranteed a standalone personal finance course!

24 states and 36% to go!

Thank you for advocating!

About the Author

Christian Sherrill

Former teacher, forever financial education nerd. As NGPF's Director of Growth & Advocacy, Christian is laser-focused on our mission to guarantee all students a rigorous personal finance course before crossing the high school graduation stage. Having paid down over $40k in student loans in the span of 3 years - while living in the Bay Area on an entry level teacher's salary - he's eager to help the next generation avoid financial pitfalls one semester at a time.