Government-Business Partnership Fuels Financial Literacy in Ohio
Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel promulgated this week a key financial literacy effort in the state that is widely supported by government and business constituencies. Mandel commended the Ohio Legislature for passing the mandate back in 2006, requiring all public, private and charter high schools to integrate financial and economic education into the school curricula.
Financial literacy watchers were keen on noting that the Ohio state law also prevents most Ohio public universities from admitting students who fail to pass a course on financial education. Mandel believes that public-private partnerships and business resources, which schools are required to make available, will continue to drive the success of Ohio’s financial literacy efforts.
Education technology firm EverFi has been tapped to help school districts implement the state mandate and has developed a broad range of initiative components, including free downloadable course materials, interactive games and programs, and an online financial education resource library.
This program rolled out and publicized during the last week in Ohio is harmonious with the plans and programs seen launching in other U.S. states, as well as in a wide range of local, regional and national jurisdictions globally. And as the financial education movement continues to rise to new heights, these business-government partnerships will remain a driving force of successful implementation.