Youth Financial Education

Many young people are unskilled in managing their personal finances, yet this crucial life skill will greatly affect their future economic well-being. CSREES is working with its partners in Extension and non-profit organizations to help America's youth understand the basics of money management, and develop sound financial habits to expand their opportunities for the rest of their lives. Other examples of nationwide cooperative extension youth financial education efforts are also available.

State 4-H programs within the Cooperative Extension System, National 4-H Headquarters at USDA, and National 4-H Council have formed a new partnership to provide leadership for the development of National 4-H Curriculum. More than 180 curriculum products are available, including three focusing on youth financial education. Financial Champions teaches the basics of managing money for 7th to 9th graders.  Consumer Savvy focuses on basic consumer education skills, including decisionmaking, managing resources, and acquiring, analyzing, and using information. Be the E- Entrepreneurship empowers youth with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to meet the challenges of work and community in the 21st century.

CSREES also partners with the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE), to increase financial literacy among the nation's youth. The NEFE® High School Financial Planning Program (HSFPP) is a long-standing public service effort that offers teachers and other educators an extensive and innovative curriculum covering the basic concepts of financial planning for teens. Teacher training is included.

The NEFE® HSFPP Web Portal (NEFE High School Campus) and the NEFE® HSFPP e-Learning Game (Success Street Sweep) are new resources available for youth financial education.

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