MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has established the Institute for Financial Education and Prosperity, a comprehensive initiative designed to support educators across Kansas in teaching financial literacy skills that high school students will need as they transition into the workforce and adult financial responsibilities.The institute is a strategic response to Kansas’s 2021 high school financial literacy requirement while embodying the university’s next-generation land-grant university promise to serve communities. The institute is part of K-State’s Office of External Engagement.
Addressing critical educator needs statewideWith the requirement for all Kansas high school students to complete a half-credit financial literacy course phasing in for the class of 2028, the institute serves as a vital resource for educators preparing students to make sound financial decisions as they enter careers, pursue higher education or begin managing independent household finances.
The Institute for Financial Education and Prosperity builds upon two nationally recognized K-State programs: Powercat Financial, a financial well-being student support resource, and the personal financial planning degree program, named the highest performing undergraduate financial planning program by WealthManagement.com.“
Current high school curriculum offerings range from required to optional to no offering at all,” said Martin Seay, interdisciplinary Institute for Financial Education and Prosperity director. “Many teachers lack confidence and training in financial literacy content, while small rural schools face significant implementation challenges. We aim to equip every educator with the tools and knowledge to teach students practical skills for managing money, understanding credit, planning for major purchases and making informed financial decisions as working adults."