Empowering Future Generations with Financial Knowledge
In a groundbreaking move, EVERFI, a leader in digital education aimed at social impact, has introduced its latest course,
Econ Foundations: Economics for High School. This course is designed to bridge the significant gap in economic education and equip students with practical financial skills essential for navigating today's complex financial landscape.
Economic literacy is increasingly crucial. A recent study revealed that nearly half of Americans lack a basic understanding of financial concepts such as inflation, interest rates, and investment strategies. This substantial gap not only hinders individuals' financial decision-making but also results in broader societal challenges, ranging from economic inequality to decreased civic engagement. As Ray Martinez, EVERFI's Co-Founder and Co-CEO, aptly points out, "Investing in economic education at the high school level is critical not only for individual empowerment but also for the collective benefit of society."
With the number of states requiring high school students to complete an economics course on the rise—28 states currently mandate such a course compared to just 26 that require personal finance classes—EVERFI's initiative comes at a pivotal moment. This new course aims to provide all students equal access to vital economic education, ensuring they are well-prepared for sound spending and saving decisions in their lives.
Course Structure: A Hands-On Approach
The new course falls under the
EVERFI Financial Literacy for High School® collection and is aligned with the Jump$tart National Standards in K–12 Personal Finance Education. It comprises three online lessons, each designed to last about 15 minutes. These lessons feature interactive and relatable real-world scenarios with diverse characters, providing students with an engaging learning experience. The lessons are structured as follows:
1.
The Basics: In this introductory lesson, students learn fundamental economic concepts, particularly supply and demand. The objective is to help students connect these concepts with their daily decisions and take on the perspective of an entrepreneur.
2.
Microeconomics: This lesson delves into market structures, where students explore how goods, services, and money flow within an economy. They'll develop a deeper understanding of how supply and demand influence pricing.
3.
Macroeconomics: The final lesson introduces economic indicators that determine the phases of the economy. Students will grasp the government's role in stabilizing the economy through fiscal and monetary policies.
Addressing Educational Gaps
Econ Foundations also aims to support high school economics teachers who lack access to digital resources. By supplementing traditional textbooks with interactive content, this course provides an innovative approach to teaching these important principles.
As Generation Z shows increasing interest in investing and financial independence, this course equips young individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to participate effectively and safely in the economy. Moreover, partnerships with financial institutions play a critical role in making this educational resource available at no cost, creating a sustainable and influential impact on communities.
EVERFI's commitment to social change through education has reached millions of learners globally. Through partnerships with numerous financial institutions, they have successfully delivered transformative digital content, achieving recognition as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by
Fast Company and earning a place on
Fortune Magazine's Impact 20 List.
In conclusion, the launch of the Econ Foundations: Economics for High School course is a significant step towards enhancing financial education in the United States. By empowering students with crucial knowledge, EVERFI is not just shaping informed individuals, but a prosperous and informed society for the future. To learn more about EVERFI and how it can impact education, visit
everfi.com.