Youth Financial Learning Act

Full Title:
Youth Financial Learning Act

Summary#

This bill creates a competitive grant program for State educational agencies to help public elementary and secondary schools teach financial literacy. Grants last up to 4 years. States may use up to 10% of grant funds for state-level work like technical help, curriculum development, guidance, or evaluations. The rest must be passed as subgrants to local educational agencies. Local agencies must use subgrant funds to add or expand school-based financial literacy classes, form partnerships with community organizations, and support teacher professional development. The law requires states to give priority to local agencies that serve many schools implementing certain ESEA plans, show need, or commit to helping low-performing schools. States must include plans for sustainability, consult teachers, principals, parents, and students, and ensure urban, rural, and suburban geographic diversity. States must provide matching funds equal to 25% of the grant from non-Federal sources. Grant funds must supplement, not replace, other Federal or State funds. The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal year 2026 and the following four years.

What it means for you#

  • For students: schools that get subgrant money may offer more or stronger classes about money, credit, student loans, and financial aid.
  • For teachers and schools: funds can pay for curriculum, training, and partnerships with community groups that run financial education programs.
  • For local school districts: you could apply to your State for subgrant funds; States will favor districts that show need or help low-performing schools.
  • For State education agencies: you must apply competitively, plan for sustainability, consult school communities, ensure geographic diversity, and provide a 25% non-Federal match.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for FY2026 and each of the next four fiscal years. No specific dollar amounts are provided.
  • States may use up to 10% of grant funds for state-level activities; the remainder must be awarded as subgrants to local educational agencies.
  • Each grantee State must provide matching funds from non-Federal sources equal to 25% of the grant amount.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.