California High School Students to Learn Personal Finance as Graduation Requirement
Are you a high school student in California? If so, you’re in luck! Starting in 2026-27, all high schools in the state will be required to offer a semester of personal finance as a graduation requirement. This means that soon, you’ll be learning about college grants and loans, how tax rates work, the benefits of insurance, and how interest rates can impact your budget when you miss a credit card payment.
This new legislation, Assembly Bill 2927, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 29. It aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions in their lives. The curriculum will cover topics such as personal banking, budgeting, financing college, understanding taxes, credit, consumer protection, investing, and more.
The bill has received widespread support from various stakeholders, including the business community, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and youth activism groups. It passed through the Legislature without opposition, highlighting the importance of financial literacy education for high school students.
While some have raised concerns about the potential impact on economics courses, the bill allows students to take both economics and personal finance. Economics teachers have expressed their willingness to revise the course framework to incorporate more personal finance content to meet the new requirement.
For students like Kayvon Banankhah, a high school junior from Modesto, this legislation is a game-changer. He believes that financial literacy is crucial for combating wealth inequality and providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the future.
So, get ready to dive into the world of personal finance and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to make smart financial decisions. The future is bright for California high school students, with a new focus on financial literacy paving the way for a more financially savvy generation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The content is based on general research and may not be accurate, reliable, or up-to-date. Before making any financial decisions, it is recommended to consult with a professional financial advisor or conduct thorough research to verify the accuracy of the information presented. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any financial losses or damages incurred as a result of relying on the information provided in this article. Readers are encouraged to independently verify the facts and information before making any financial decisions.