California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Celebrates Passage of AB 2927, Making Personal Finance Education a High School Graduation Requirement

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is making waves in the education world with the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 2927, which would require personal finance as a high school graduation requirement in California. This groundbreaking legislation, if signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, would make California the 26th state in the nation to mandate personal finance education for high school students.

Superintendent Thurmond has been a vocal advocate for financial education, recognizing the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that all students in California have access to personal finance education, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The passage of AB 2927 is a significant milestone in Superintendent Thurmond’s two-year effort to prioritize financial education in the state. By requiring high school students to complete a one-semester course in personal finance, California is taking a proactive step towards empowering the next generation to manage their finances responsibly and build a secure future for themselves and their families.

In addition to the legislative victory, Superintendent Thurmond has also secured substantial funding and resources to support the implementation of personal finance education in schools. With $3.6 billion in state funding and $1.4 million in professional development opportunities for teachers, California is investing in the future financial literacy of its students.

The inclusion of personal finance as a graduation requirement reflects a broader trend across the country, with 25 other states already mandating some form of financial education in high schools. As Americans continue to grapple with economic challenges, the need for financial literacy has never been more critical.

For Superintendent Thurmond, the fight for financial education is personal. Having experienced poverty and food insecurity in his own childhood, he understands the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for success. By championing efforts to expand educational opportunities for all students, Superintendent Thurmond is paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for California.

As the state moves towards implementing AB 2927, students can look forward to gaining essential skills in money management and financial planning that will serve them well in their adult lives. With Superintendent Thurmond leading the charge, California is setting a new standard for financial education and empowering students to take control of their financial futures.