35 States Require Financial Literacy. Is Your Student Ready?
Financial literacy is no longer considered an optional life skill. Today, 35 states—and the number continues to grow—require students to complete personal finance before graduating high school. Students don't suddenly become financially responsible on graduation day. They learn those habits over time, through education and practice.
Why it matters
Students are already making financial decisions through birthday money, gift cards, online shopping, and part-time jobs. Financial literacy helps them build the habits that shape tomorrow.
The opportunity
Schools, parents, and community organizations can prepare students through practical lessons in budgeting, saving, credit, banking, and goal setting.
LaunchPad in action
"Students who normally didn't participate were asking questions about budgeting, saving, and credit. They were connecting what they learned in class to situations they were seeing at home." — Middle School Teacher
Experience LaunchPad Financial Literacy
Watch a quick overview of how LaunchPad helps students build real-world money skills:
Ready to bring LaunchPad to your organization?
Discover how the LaunchPad Financial Literacy Series and The Digital Experience are helping schools, youth organizations, summer camps, and community partners prepare students with practical money management skills. Learn more at www.LaunchPadFinancialLiteracy.com.
About the Author
Edward Foxworth IIIMBA, MAET
Founder & CEO, APEX Leadership Academy · Creator of LaunchPad Financial Literacy
Edward Foxworth III, MBA, MAET is the Founder & CEO of APEX Leadership Academy, a nonprofit organization committed to preparing young people for lifelong success through leadership development, financial education, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. He is also the creator of LaunchPad Financial Literacy, an engaging financial education initiative that helps students develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to make informed financial decisions.
As more states require personal finance education for high school graduation, Edward created LaunchPad Financial Literacy with a simple belief: every student deserves the opportunity to graduate with the financial knowledge and confidence to build a successful future. Today, LaunchPad partners with schools, youth organizations, and community leaders to deliver engaging, standards-aligned financial education that prepares students for the financial opportunities and responsibilities of adulthood.
The ELEVATE 1M Initiative is LaunchPad's national campaign with the goal of empowering one million young people by 2035 through high-quality financial literacy education. By bringing together educators, schools, nonprofits, employers, and community partners, the initiative is helping create a generation of financially capable young adults prepared to succeed in college, careers, entrepreneurship, and life.
Learn more about LaunchPad Financial Literacy and the ELEVATE 1M Initiative at www.LaunchPadFinancialLiteracy.com.