Congratulations to the finalists for the 2025 National Economics Challenge! The National Economics Challenge (NEC) provides a platform for high school students of economics to compete with their peers on a national scale and make themselves and their schools proud. Each year, close to 10,000 students from across the nation take the chance to shine while being tested on key micro and macroeconomic principles, as well as their knowledge of the world economy. We can’t wait to see the top teams compete in Atlanta, GA this June.
Top scorers from each state are invited to compete for the national title at finals. The competition runs in two divisions:
Adam Smith Division – for AP, international baccalaureate, and honors economics students
David Ricardo Division – for first-time competitors who have taken no more than one economics course
Adam Smith Division Finalists
Carmel High School, Indiana
Chelsea High School, Michigan
Farmington High School, Connecticut
Hunter College High School, New York
Lambert High School, Georgia
Mount Hebron High School, Maryland
Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire
Skyline High School, Utah
David Ricardo Division Finalists
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Florida
Fairview High School, Colorado
Henrico High School, Virginia
Hopkins School, Connecticut
Lambert High School, Georgia
Montgomery High School, New Jersey
Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire
The Charter School of Wilmington, Delaware
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
In their respective state competitions, these finalists showcased how understanding money management and making informed financial choices can position young people on paths to achieve their fullest potential. Congratulations to the following finalists:
Alabama: Vestavia Hills High School and Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Arizona: Gilbert Classical Academy and Valley Vista High School
Arkansas: Mountain Home High School
California: Scripps Ranch High School
Connecticut: Westhill High School
Delaware: Appoquinimink High School
Florida: Stanton College Preparatory
Georgia: Lambert High School and Salem High School
Illinois: Naperville Central High School
Iowa: Montezuma High School
Kansas: Gardner Edgerton High School
Kentucky: Frederick Douglass High School
Maryland: Mt Hebron High School
Massachusetts: Lexington High School
Michigan: Chelsea High School
Minnesota: Mounds View High School
Mississippi: Germantown High School and Canton High School
Missouri: Mary Institute and Country Day School
Montana: Bozeman High School
Nebraska: Lincoln Southeast High School
New Hampshire: Nashua High School South
New Jersey: The Peddie School
New York: Hunter College High School and Francis Lewis High School
North Carolina: Ardrey Kell High School and Ballantyne Ridge High School
Ohio: Madeira High School
South Carolina: Pickens County Career & Technology Center
Virginia: Henrico High School
Washington: Eastlake High School
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Diamond Gala at The Pierre Hotel. It was an incredible night! The Gala was such a special way to conclude our 75th anniversary and celebrate the impact that CEE has had on millions of students.
CEE was founded to ensure that all students learn foundational knowledge of personal finance and economics. These subjects help students comprehend our complex world, negotiate decisions throughout their lives, and ultimately succeed in life. We will continue to be a leader in advancing economic and financial literacy for young people.
We were honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders: Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa, with the Diamond Award, and Jeremy J. Siegel, Professor Emeritus of Finance at The Wharton School, with the Distinguished Economist Award.
Rebecca Patterson, CEE Board Chair (left), moderates a Fireside Chat with CEE Diamond Gala honorees Jeremy Siegel and Kelly Mahon Tullier.
During the Fireside Chat, moderated by CEE Board Chair Rebecca Patterson, Mahon Tullier emphasized the importance of equipping students with the tools to make informed financial choices, noting her pride in Visa’s co-founding the FinEd50 coalition alongside CEE. Mahon Tullier’s career reflects her deep commitment to building a future where every student has access to high-quality financial education.
Jeremy Siegel spoke of the importance of introducing economic principles to students long before college. After nearly 50 years in academia, he praised CEE for stepping in to ensure that all Americans, regardless of background, can develop the skills needed to navigate investing, budgeting, and decision-making in everyday life.
Teachers Manoj Thadhani (left) and Ian Weissman were honored with the 2025 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Teaching Champion Award.
We began our gala by honoring two outstanding teachers, Manoj Thadhani of Syosset Senior High School and Ian Weissman of Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts with the 2025 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Teaching Champion Award. Their passion and creativity have inspired their students and helped bring complex economic ideas to life in the classroom.
Nan J. Morrison, retired President and CEO of CEE.
The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to Nan J. Morrison, who recently retired after 15 years as President and CEO of CEE. Nan received the William A. Forbes Public Awareness Award for her unwavering leadership and dedication to expanding access to economic and personal finance education. Under her guidance, CEE reached millions of students and hundreds of thousands of teachers across the country.
The “Mission Moment” Fireside Chat moderated by CEE Board Member Susan McDermott-deTray (left), with students (L-R): Ebony Stapleton, Gursaheb Chadha, and Alexei Varah.
One of the most moving moments of the night came during the “Mission Moment” Fireside Chat, featuring three exceptional students whose lives have been shaped by CEE’s programs. Gursaheb Chadha, a senior at Francis Lewis High School and National Personal Finance Challenge participant, spoke about his early passion for finance and his plans to study the subject at Baruch College. His classmate, Ebony Stapleton, a standout in the Invest in Girls program and already Bloomberg certified, shared how her experiences with Invest in Girls helped build her financial knowledge and confidence, and shared her excitement to pursue business and managerial economics in college. Finally, sophomore Alexei Varah from Hunter College High School discussed her love for behavioral economics and the mentorship she’s received through the National Economics Challenge. All three students spoke about the skills, confidence, and community they’ve gained through their CEE experiences.
As dinner was served and conversations continued, it was clear: CEE’s mission is enduring, our impact is significant, and our community is ready to help. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and guests, our 2025 Diamond Gala raised over $700,000!
As we look to the future, we are grateful for your support and excited to expand our programs to reach even more teachers and students nationwide.
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
In April 2004, the U.S. Senate passed Resolution 316, sponsored by Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii, designating April as Financial Literacy Month.
This declaration highlights the importance of financial education and the consequences of a lack of financial literacy.
As the economic landscape becomes increasingly complex, Intuit is taking bold steps to ensure students and educators have access to high-quality financial literacy programs.
A great start is the Intuit Hour of Finance™ Challenge, a free program that encourages schools to spend an hour learning the importance of budgeting during Financial Literacy Month.
The current landscape of financial education
Studies show that approximately 34% of U.S. adults pass a basic financial literacy test. More than 70% of college students experience financial stress, which is a leading cause for students leaving college—often with debt but no degree.
That’s why Intuit for Education offers financial literacy programs that support future generations.
David Zasada, VP of Education & Corporate Responsibility at Intuit, understands how important these programs are. He says Intuit for Education helps students learn to make smart money decisions, so they’re set up for personal and economic success as adults.
“Although an increasing number of states are now requiring high school students to take a full semester personal finance course before they graduate, as of today, it is still a big problem that the majority of students cross the graduation stage without the critical financial skills they’ll need, just as they will begin making adult financial decisions,” said Zasada.
Christopher Caltabiano, Chief Program Officer at the Council for Economic Education, emphasizes the urgent need to address the knowledge gap to reach greater societal equity. “We feel that the knowledge of both personal finance and economics more broadly—understanding how the world works—are important for people to manage their personal lives, their family lives, the lives of their communities, and even broader—their nation.”
The Hour of Finance Challenge—a step toward a better financial future
In April, the Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge invites educators nationwide to spend just one hour teaching budgeting to their students. This challenge sparks interest and teaches students key skills for handling today’s financial world in an engaging way. Last year, schools nationwide joined in, making this one-hour challenge the first step toward financial literacy.
The challenge includes tools like an easy-to-use budgeting lesson from the Intuit for Education curriculum. Students can play Intuit Prosperity Quest™, an online game that puts them in real-world financial scenarios. Average student scores are used to compete for prizes and to become state or national champions.
Intuit’s commitment to financial education
Independently and in partnership with like-minded organizations like CEE, Intuit has acted on the belief that students need economic and financial skills to succeed after high school graduation.
In 2023, Intuit launched Intuit for Education with a goal of helping 50 million students become more financially literate, capable, and confident by 2030.
This program helps students of all ages learn the important skills that will help them manage money better for a lifetime of financial well-being. These skills can help them save, improve their credit scores, manage debt, and reach their goals.
Intuit for Education helps by providing educators and students with financial education that’s easy to access and adapt to. With over 150 hours of content about personal and entrepreneurial finance, Intuit for Education gives young people the knowledge they need to succeed.
“What makes Intuit for Education unique is our collection of real-world simulations, calculators, and games, which give students the ability to apply the concepts they learned to develop strong financial behaviors,” says Zasada.
Actions to take this Financial Literacy Month
It’s Financial Literacy Month! Intuit for Education and CEE encourage everyone to improve financial literacy in their communities. Advocate for educational reforms, use Intuit’s and CEE’s free resources, or talk finances with those around you—every effort counts.
Caltabiano emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in improving financial literacy in their communities. In terms of advocacy, he says, “The macro view is to ensure that the educational system in your state is structured such that young people have the opportunity to take personal finance and economics during their time in school.”
Even if your state doesn’t require financial education in K–12 curriculum, parents and students can still demand that their school district requires it. One might mention the free resources offered by organizations like Intuit for Education and the Council for Economic Education.
Zasada suggests you can start by looking close to home. Talk honestly with your kids, parents, or partner. Reflecting on his own upbringing, he says, “When we were kids, my parents consistently taught my brothers and sisters and me the importance of managing money, including what percentage of our allowance or paper-route money should be allocated to savings, charity, and spending money.”
Looking ahead
Financial Literacy Month 2025 is here, and with it, a chance to improve financial education. The Hour of Finance Challenge is a great start to help a new generation begin to prepare for better financial futures.
For educators looking to get involved, Intuit and CEE offer a wealth of resources and programs that can make a difference.
With uncertainty and questions about the changing national and global economy swirling, the Council for Economic Education (CEE) and its network of state affiliates are making available in April’s National Financial Literacy Month a variety of engaging events and resources for teachers, students and the general public.
For K-12 teachers: Kickoff Event – Personal Finance Bootcamp. On April 5, CEE will host a free, virtual Personal Finance Bootcamp for teachers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. This expert-led training session will cover key personal finance topics such as earning income, saving and budgeting. Teachers will receive valuable resources, strategies, and lessons to enhance their classroom instruction.
For K-12 students: Advocacy Toolkits. CEE is committed to empowering students to advocate for personal finance education in their schools. Advocacy toolkits are available to help students make their voices heard and ensure that personal finance becomes a required part of their curriculum.
For everyone: Weekly Book and Podcast Recommendations. CEE’s Invest in Girls program will share weekly book and podcast recommendations on Instagram, featuring picks from both students and professionals. These recommendations aim to expand personal finance knowledge beyond the classroom.
For the future: 2025 Diamond Gala. CEE will hold its annual gala April 29 in New York. Proceeds will be used to equip K-12 students with the tools and knowledge of economics and personal finance so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families and their communities. The evening honors leaders who promote economic and financial education to create a better-informed society as well as outstanding New York educators who use results-driven approaches to teaching economic and personal finance education in their classrooms.
CEE’s Financial Literacy Month activities are generously sponsored by Intuit for Education.
Join Us in Celebrating Financial Literacy Month. CEE invites everyone to join in the celebration of Financial Literacy Month. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or simply looking to become financially savvy, there are numerous ways to get involved and make the most of this dedicated month.
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
In a recent webinar hosted by the Council on Economic Education (CEE), experts gathered to discuss the state of economic education in the United States. The conversation featured Dr. Jennifer Davidson, President of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education, and Dr. Andrew Hill, Assistant Vice President of Economic Education at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The session was moderated by Rebecca Patterson, Former Chief Investment Strategist at Bridgewater and Board Chair of CEE.
The Importance of Economic Education
The webinar began with a discussion on the critical role of economic education in shaping the financial futures of young people. Dr. Davidson emphasized that economics is fundamentally about decision-making and understanding scarcity. She explained, “Economics, at its core, is all about decision making. It’s about the fact that scarcity exists. We can’t have everything we want and we have to make choices”. This knowledge and the tools to analyze and make decisions smartly is essential for students to navigate their personal and professional lives effectively.
Dr. Hill highlighted the Federal Reserve’s long-standing commitment to economic education, which dates back to the 1970s. He noted that understanding how the economy works, and the role of the Federal Reserve can help individuals make better decisions, ultimately leading to a more stable and prosperous economy.
The State of Economic and Personal Finance Education
Ms. Patterson provided an overview of the current landscape of economic and personal finance education in the U.S. She shared that 28 states require at least one course in economics to graduate, and 35 states require at least one course in personal finance. Despite this progress, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all students actually receive this essential education and when they do, that it is from a teacher who is qualified and trained in the subject.
Dr. Davidson and Dr. Hill discussed the challenges of implementing these requirements at the state level. They noted that education standards are often reevaluated every 5 to 10 years, and the process can be slow and complex. However, they stressed the importance of continued advocacy and collaboration to expand access to economic and personal finance education.
The Multiplier Effect of Teaching Teachers
One of the key themes of the webinar was the multiplier effect of teaching teachers. Dr. Hill explained “If you work with a teacher and you spend hours or a day training a teacher, those teachers are then, for the rest of their career going to share those lessons and experiences with their own students for many years to come” This approach ensures a high return on investment and helps reach a larger number of students.
Dr. Davidson shared her experience in Nebraska, where teachers are now required to take more credit hours in economics as part of their certification. She emphasized the importance of providing ongoing professional development for teachers to keep them engaged and effective in the classroom.
Collaboration and Innovation in Economic Education
The webinar also highlighted the importance of collaboration among various organizations involved in economic education. Dr. Hill mentioned the long-standing partnership between the Federal Reserve and CEE, which has resulted in numerous successful programs and initiatives. Dr. Davidson added that state councils and centers for economic education play a crucial role in supporting teachers and students at the local level.
Ms. Patterson shared examples of innovative programs, such as the National Economics Challenge and the National Personal Finance Challenge, which engage students in competitive and interactive learning experiences. These programs not only enhance students’ understanding of economics and personal finance but also provide valuable skills for their future careers.
Ms. Patterson also emphasized the broader impact of economic education, stating, “Ensuring that students have a foundational understanding of economics is a critical building block for them to have healthy financial lives. And it doesn’t stop just at those individuals who are reached, but also their families, their communities. And when we think about that in aggregate, that’s how we get a stronger economy and a more stable financial system”
Conclusion
The CEE webinar underscored the vital importance of economic education in preparing young people for their futures. By continuing to advocate for these subjects, supporting teachers, and fostering collaboration, we can ensure that all students have the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions. As Dr. Davidson aptly put it, “Economics is a superpower for understanding the world around you”
Updated National K-12 Economics Standards are coming this June!
TheVoluntary National Content Standards offer economics content standards. Each standard is an essential principle of economics that an economically literate student should know and a statement of what the student should be able to do with that knowledge at grades 4, 8, and upon graduating from high school.
Sign up to receive your copy this summer:
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A Few Statistics on Economic Education
Taking more economics is significantly related to higher levels of earning, home equity, and savings.
Research indicates that 6 in 10 teachers earned no course credits in economics during their undergraduate studies. Of teachers certified to teach social studies, 40% did not take an undergraduate course in economics.
Watch the Event Recording
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
The Council for Economic Education (CEE) is excited to announce the expansion of our National Economics Challenge (NEC) internationally as part of the World Youth Forum-Future Economics Leadership Summit (WYF-FELS).
The CEE National Economics Challenge will be featured as part of the five-day WYF-FELS summit, being held in Hong Kong August 6-10. WYF-FELS cultivates and celebrates economic education, cultural diversity and individual development among youth globally. The summit and student competition are designed to lead to an improved, globalized education landscape where we can enlighten, enrich and empower future generations.
According to Nan J. Morrison, President and CEO of the Council for Economic Education, “Economics provides a powerful lens to understand how the world works and how to navigate within it. Participating in the WYF-FELS and the NEC not only builds economic knowledge, but enables students to gain skill in teamwork, presentation, and critical thinking, and to establish a network of like-minded global peers.”
You may be able to become a part of this inaugural summit, with over 300 students from across the globe!
Are you a corporate leader with offices in Hong Kong? You too could be part of the Summit by hosting a company visit.
Where: Hong Kong
When: August 8, 2-2.5hrs in the morning or afternoon
What: Discussion with senior and junior staff about your organization, roles in the organization and tour of operations. Suggested agendas provided.
Who: 12-15 high school students who have an interest in and knowledge of economics and world affairs
Please contact our partner: ling@cp21.org if you would like to host these amazing students!
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
What are two actions that the Federal Reserve might take to combat inflation?
If the average cost of producing four cars is $20,000 and the average cost of producing five cars is $22,000, what is the marginal cost of producing the fifth car?
Racing to answer more than 20 rapid-fire questions like those in just 20 seconds per question, high school students from around the country competed near the heart of Wall Street to earn honors as best in America in the Council for Economic Education’s 2024 National Economics Challenge (NEC).
And they made it look easy.
High school students prepare for the Critical Thinking Round of the 2024 National Economics Challenge in New York City.
Capping a school year during which nearly 8,000 students competed across the USA, teams from Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City, Maryland, swept the final competition in New York with first-place finishes in both of the NEC’s divisions for advanced and for first-time competitors. It’s the seventh straight NEC competition in which the Howard County public school emerged as a national champion or finalist.
Students in the Critical Thinking Round of the 2024 National Economics Challenge share their analysis of a current economic problem and present their solutions to a panel of judges.
Students from Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire), BASIS Mesa (Mesa, Arizona) and Novi High School (Novi, Michigan) finished second, third and fourth in the Adam Smith advanced division. Teams from Hunter College High School (New York, NY), Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan) and Lambert High School (Suwanee, Georgia) were runners-up in the David Ricardo division.
Members of each team were allowed to confer for only seconds before jotting down responses for expert judges to instantly review. The serious but fun competition is designed to encourage a deep understanding of economics through both a case study round and the final quiz round.
High school students competing in the Quiz Bowl round of the 2024 National Economics Challenge in New York City.
“The analytic and problem-solving skills built by studying economics can be applied to issues of our day that are relevant to our students, today and in their futures,” said Nan J. Morrison, CEE president and chief executive officer.
But only half the states require a course in economics, according to CEE’s 2024 Survey of the States.
“Requiring economics and personal finance courses in all high schools gives every student the real-world skills they need to create fulfilling lives on their own terms,” Morrison added.
“We congratulate and thank the students, teachers and our CEE affiliates around the country for making economics education available and exciting through the National Economics Challenge and each and every classroom,” she said.
Winners of the Adam Smith Division and the David Ricardo Division of the 2024 National Economics Challenge.
The winners of the 2024 NEC Adam Smith Division:
First place: Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City, Maryland
Praneeth Idamakanti, Nandhu Manoj Pillai, Mehin Pandya, Diego Salamanca Murphy
Coach: Vann Prime
Second place: Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire
Steven Chen, Dhruv Nagarajan, Tanay Nandan, Eli Orbach
Coach: Aykut Kilinc
Third place: BASIS Mesa in Mesa, Arizona
Elias Chang, Vinesh Kothari, Ximo Liu, Daniel Yang
The top teams in this year’s NEC David Ricardo Division:
First place: Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City, Maryland
Joseph Jeong, Aarush Kejriwal, Vishva Rao, Nick Venginickal
Coach: Vann Prime
Second place: Hunter College High School in New York, NY
Xiayang Huang, Winnie Mok, Joseph Ponda, Alexie Varah
Coach: Ellen Fox
Third place: Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Toluwani Adebayo, Pingkang Qian, Junho Seo, Alexander Wang
Coach: Christopher Schotten
Fourth place: Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia
Arhan Barve, Shlok Bhatt, Shivam Gupta. Balaskanda Sivanandame
Coach: Rupal Gupta
In subsequent international rounds, the Mt. Hebron teams also outscored China’s championship Shanghai Pinghe School team in their David Ricardo division and Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School in their Adam Smith division.
All members of the winning teams are awarded cash prizes. CNBC senior economics reporter Steve Liesman asked the questions and moderated the final rounds for both divisions which were televised live and online on CNBC.
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
Capping a school year of tremendous strides in requiring personal finance classes in America’s high schools, 35 teams gathered in Cleveland at the Council for Economic Education’s annual National Personal Finance Challenge (NPFC) showcased how understanding money management and making informed financial choices positions young people on paths to achieve their fullest potential.
High school students competing in the 2024 National Personal Finance Challenge in Cleveland, OH.
Teams from Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Georgia were named best in the U.S. after rising to the top in a series of statewide and then national academic championships. In all, nearly 15,000 students showcased mastery of the key building blocks of personal economic success including: earning, spending, saving, investing, and managing risk.
At the NPFC final championships, held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, semifinalists were tasked with quickly creating family financial plans, a challenge that required not only knowledge but also critical thinking. The top 16 teams then advanced to the intense “quiz bowl” lightning round where they further showcased their financial acumen. In the end, students from Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland, scored top honors. Teams from Mounds View High School of Minnesota, the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies of New Jersey and Dunwoody High School of Georgia earned recognition as first, second and third runners-up.
“With a foundational understanding of personal finance, young people have the tools they need to make informed financial decisions and create a better life, not only for themselves but also for their families and their communities,” said Nan J. Morrison, CEE’s president and chief executive officer. “High school students who compete in the NPFC not only deepen their personal finance knowledge, but they also develop essential career skills – critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills.”
High school students competing in the 2024 National Personal Finance Challenge in Cleveland, OH.
A total of 35 states have moved to require personal finance courses, according to CEE’s biennial Survey of the States. The drive to provide financial education to all students in all high schools has gained momentum among parents, state legislators, education policymakers and students, but, Morrison noted, “too many kids are still left to figure out money and personal finance all by themselves. Our goal is to change that and create equitable access.”
“With a special tip of the hat to our top-scoring teams, we congratulate all the students and teachers who competed in the National Personal Finance Challenge,” Morrison added.
This year, as part of its mission to make secure financial futures possible, Voya Financial and Voya Foundation once again supported CEE’s National Personal Finance Challenge.
“Every student competing at CEE’s National Personal Finance Challenge demonstrated remarkable knowledge that will help them to successfully navigate the financial milestones they will encounter throughout their lives,” said Heather Lavallee, Voya Financial chief executive officer and CEE board member. “At Voya, we know that the benefits of financial literacy are not exclusive to any one career path, and that’s why we’re committed to working with organizations like CEE to enable all young people to study personal finance, maximize their potential, and have the best opportunity to lead financially secure lives.”
Winning schools, team members and teachers in the 2024 NPFC national finals are:
First place: Severn School, Severna Park, MD Students: Grady Gelston, Thomas Parsch, Sam Salinas & Rowan Ward Coach: Julien Meyer
Second place: Mounds View High School, Arden Hills, MN Students: Victoria Farmer, Maya Gjelhaug, Katherine Schneider & Allison Yu Coach: Aaron Oseland
Third place: Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies, Edison, NJ Students: Isaac Chan, Srivarun Kankanala, Mahanth Komuravelli, & Arya Rathi Coach: Nikita Patil
Fourth place: Third runner-up: Dunwoody High School, Dunwoody, GA Students: Jonah Horwitz, Wendell Rogers & Bhavya Shah Coach: Laura Lampron
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSOR
About Voya Financial®
Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), is a leading health, wealth and investment company with 7,200 employees who are focused on achieving Voya’s aspirational vision: Clearing your path to financial confidence and a more fulfilling life. Through products, solutions and technologies, Voya helps its 14.7 million individual, workplace and institutional clients become well planned, well invested and well protected. Benefitfocus, a Voya company, extends the reach of Voya’s workplace benefits and savings offerings by providing benefits administration capabilities to 16.5 million individual subscription employees across employer and health plan clients. Certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work® Institute, Voya is purpose-driven and equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible. Voya has earned recognition as: one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute; a member of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” on the Disability Equality Index. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (Twitter).
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
We had fun, learned a little, and hit a new one-night fundraising record at the Council for Economic Education’s 2024 Diamond Gala! On Friday, April 30th, we celebrated CEE’s 75th year as a leader in advancing economic and financial literacy for young people. CEE was founded to ensure all students can learn foundational knowledge of personal finance and economics. These subjects help students comprehend our complex world, negotiate the decisions and changes they will inevitably face, and ultimately succeed in life. In short, economics and personal finance can work for them.
Nate DeBrine, Clare Maloney, and Steve Liesman.
The evening started with a festive cocktail hour and live music from Steve Liesman, Nate DeBrine, and Clare Maloney. Attendees were used to seeing Steve on their TV screens as CNBC’s Senior Economics Reporter and enjoyed seeing him rock the room!
CEE President and CEO, Nan Morrison, and CEE Board Chair, Rebecca Patterson, kicked off the evening’s program connecting meaningful moments in recent history with the evolution of CEE. Looking to the future, they announced our $7.5M for 75 Years Campaign to continue and expand CEE’s important work.
Teachers Marta Lieberman, Diana Isern, and Halle Amore Bauerreceiving the 2024 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Teaching Champion Awards from CEE Master Teacher Kevin Morgan.
The program quickly turned its attention to teachers with the presentation of the 2024 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Teaching Champion Awards, which recognizes excellence in high school economic educators for the New York Metropolitan area. This year’s winners are:
Halle Amore Bauer, High School Economics and Modern World History Teacher, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, NY
Diana Isern, High School Personal Finance and Investments Teacher, Brooklyn Preparatory High School, Brooklyn, NY
Marta Lieberman, 12th grade Economics/Government and AP Economics Teacher, Francis Lewis High School, Fresh Meadows, NY
Halle Amore Bauer shared, “I want students to leave my class knowing that economics is a tool that can be used to create a more just world. A strong understanding of economic concepts like incentives, tradeoffs, and sustainability can empower students to make choices that benefit not only themselves, but humanity.”
CEE President & CEO Nan J. Morrison in conversation with Laura Adomaa, Invest in Girls student from the Frederick Douglass Academy; Victor Robila, New York State Personal Finance Challenge winner from Hunter College High School; and Lorelei Loraine, National Economics Challenge champion presently at Columbia University.
Attendees also enjoyed hearing from students who have participated in CEE programs: Laura Adomaa, Invest in Girls student from the Frederick Douglass Academy; Victor Robila, New York State Personal Finance Challenge winner from Hunter College High School; and Lorelei Loraine, National Economics Challenge champion presently at Columbia University. These students are wonderful examples of the impact CEE programs has on the lives of students and gave many of us hope for a thoughtful and productive next generation.
As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, we had a special on-stage appearance from Jay Lanstein, who was on the winning team of the inaugural National Economics Challenge, held in 2001.
Fireside Chat with Glenn Hutchins, Chairman of North Island and North Island Ventures & Co-Founder of Silver Lake, and Gary H. Stern, Former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, in conversation with Steve Leisman, CNBC Senior Economics Reporter.
We finished our evening with the Honorees Fireside Chat with Glenn Hutchins, Chairman of North Island and North Island Ventures & Co-Founder of Silver Lake, and Gary H. Stern, Former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, in conversation with Steve Leisman, CNBC Senior Economics Reporter. Glenn and Gary were recognized for their contributions and the audience enjoyed listening to their perspectives and insights on the world economy.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, CEE’s Diamond Gala hit a new record – $811,000 surpassing our evening’s goal to raise 10% of our 75th Anniversary Campaign goal of $7.5M. These donations will help CEE ensure every student in America is taught essential financial and economic basics from kindergarten through high school.
Thank you to our sponsors and to every guest who made this event such a success. We can’t wait for next year!
About the Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education‘s (CEE’s) mission is to equip K–12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities, and learn to successfully navigate in our ever-changing economy. We carry out our mission in three ways. We advocate to require financial and economic education in every state. We provide training, tools and resources – online and live through over 180 affiliates nationwide – to more than 40,000 teachers annually who in turn bring the highest quality economics and personal finance instruction to over 4 million students. We deepen knowledge and introduce high school students to critical career capabilities through our national competitions and Invest in Girls program.
