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The 2026 Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards

On March 2, 2026, the 13th annual Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards were announced, recognizing exceptional contributions to financial literacy across the state. This ceremony, held at the Maryland Inn in Annapolis, attracted notable participants, including representatives from the CASH Campaign of Maryland, Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE), and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Sponsored by SECU, the event celebrated educators, organizations, and community champions who have made significant impacts in the field of financial education. The awards aim to illuminate the importance of equipping individuals with knowledge about managing their finances effectively, an essential skill in today's economy.

Award Winners

The ceremony honored a variety of categories, each showcasing individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing financial literacy:

• - Community Champion Award: Lacy Allen, the Financial Health and Digital Engagement Manager at Interfaith Housing Alliance, received this award for her leadership in managing the Credit Cafe Workshop since 2017. Her efforts provided critical resources that enabled participants to gain foundational credit knowledge and individualized support through virtual sessions, promoting financial stability.

• - Outstanding Organization Award: The University of Maryland Extension team, including Jesse Ketterman, Dorothy Nuckols, Carrie Sorenson, Troy Anderson, and Crystal Terhune, was recognized for their comprehensive financial education programs that reached thousands of Maryland residents. Their targeted training sessions on subjects like credit, fraud prevention, and early career financial decisions have empowered individuals to take control of their financial futures.

• - Elementary School Teacher or Program: Emma McClary, Andrea Speaks, and the MCPS Elementary Social Studies Team were commended for developing a district-wide Grade 3 financial literacy curriculum aimed at nurturing students' understanding of real-world financial decision-making and entrepreneurship.

• - Middle School Teacher or Program: Ed Keeler, an 8th-grade history teacher at Easton Middle School, was acknowledged for instilling the value of long-term financial thinking in students through interactive experiences such as the Stock Market Game.

• - High School Teacher or Program: Stephen Metzger, a Business Technology educator at Arundel High School, was honored for his innovative Millionaire’s Club, which not only engages students weekly but has also led to statewide successes in student-led investment competitions.

• - Sheldon K. Caplis Corporate Partnership Award: The Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union received this award for its commitment to providing accessible financial education through diverse initiatives, including on-site classes and customized workshops within community organizations, ensuring that financial literacy remains within reach of all Marylanders.

Impact of Financial Education

With a focus on sharing essential financial management concepts, these awards exemplify a concerted effort to enhance financial knowledge across various demographics. The importance of understanding budgeting, credit, and savings cannot be understated, especially in an increasingly complex economic landscape.

The CASH Campaign of Maryland, in collaboration with MCEE and MSDE, aims to create a financial literacy curriculum rooted in best practices and current educational standards. Teachers recognized in the awards exemplify a commitment to innovative teaching strategies that resonate with their students, nurturing a generation of informed decision-makers.

Conclusion

Robin McKinney, co-founder and CEO of the CASH Campaign, expressed pride in highlighting the remarkable work happening statewide to increase financial literacy access. Echoing her sentiments, Julie Weaver, Executive Director at MCEE, emphasized the importance of these educational experiences in helping students achieve their dreams.

Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent at MSDE, remarked on the critical life skills imparted through financial education, reinforcing the role these educators play in preparing students for future financial responsibilities. The awards not only honor their achievements but also pave the way for continuous improvement in financial literacy education in Maryland.

For more insights and resources on financial education, the Maryland CASH Academy offers a wealth of information and free online classes available to all residents at mdcashacademy.org.