Next Gen Personal Finance — a national nonprofit based in Burlingame — has launched a $1 million grant program to support early implementation of AB 2927 and accelerate access to personal finance education in California high schools.

“Every child should have the opportunity to build these essential skills before navigating adult financial choices, not just those who happen to have the opportunity to learn these concepts at home or through an elective,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

The NGPF California Challenge Grant offers grants to schools and districts that introduce a personal finance course before they are required to offer the standalone course in the 2027-28 school year. Schools interested in rolling out a personal finance elective before it becomes a graduation requirement can receive funding to pilot instructional materials, prepare teachers, and develop best practices for successful implementation.

A strategy for future success Currently, most California high school students do not have access to a semester-long course in personal finance, making it an entirely new subject for many. Schools that introduce the course early will gain a valuable head start, allowing educators to refine their approach before the requirement takes effect. A scaffolded implementation enables teachers to identify challenges, adjust pacing and explore diverse teaching strategies — ensuring a smoother and more effective transition.

These funds are specifically earmarked for enhancing the personal finance course — supporting elements such as professional development, field trips and technology upgrades that help deliver an engaging learning experience.

Free curriculum and PD for educators In addition to grant funding, NGPF provides the leading personal finance curriculum and comprehensive professional development for teachers — already used by over 7,490 California teachers and all completely free. Their core semester course curriculum (www.ngpf.org/courses/semester-course) has high-quality lessons with engaging, real-world activities and their many PD opportunities (www.ngpf.org/ngpf-academy) offer flexible options to help teachers build expertise. In preparation for implementing the new graduation requirement, the NGPF team will support schools with equipping teachers to confidently and effectively teach personal finance, empowering students with essential life skills.

Who can apply and what’s required The Challenge Grant is available to all public and charter high schools in California. Eligible applicants complete a simple application that includes providing documentation confirming the course’s introduction, along with a course syllabus. More details are available on the NGPF website, www.ngpf.org/cafe-grant-program.

For more information or to apply, contact Katie Ginsburg, Partnerships & Adoption Manager, at katie@ngpf.org.