Free tools support personal finance requirement
October 13, 2025
Now is a great time for educators to begin introducing a personal finance course ahead of California’s new graduation requirement in 2027–28. Starting early gives schools the chance to:
Build momentum now: Students don’t have to wait until 2027 to gain these essential life skills.
Pilot and refine: Early adopters can test materials, prepare teachers, and fine-tune their approach before the requirement takes effect.
Smooth the transition: With extra lead time, schools can identify challenges, adjust pacing, and establish best practices for a more seamless rollout.
NextGen Personal Finance has developed two free tools to support early adopters, available on ACSA's Resource Hub:
NGPF curriculum crosswalk to CA’s 13 Personal Finance Topics — NGPF’s Semester Course and supplemental resources provide a full range of lessons connected to California’s 13 Personal Finance Topics, from banking and budgeting to investing, taxes, and behavioral finance.
NGPF on-demand modules aligned to CA’s 13 Personal Finance Topics — Teachers can access one-hour, self-paced modules that build content knowledge across the 13 topics, including banking, budgeting, credit, loans, insurance, taxes, investing, and more.
To make early adoption even easier, NGPF launched the California Challenge Grant, a $1 million initiative that provides funding for schools and districts that introduce a personal finance course before it becomes mandatory. Grants of up to $3,500 per school (and up to $35,000 per district) help cover essentials like teacher training and technology. Learn more at www.ngpf.org/cafe-grant-program.
By getting started now, schools not only prepare for the future requirement but also give their students an immediate advantage in building financial capability.