$296,000 in grant funding awarded to schools and community-based organizations across the state

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, in partnership with the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability, announced today they have awarded $296,000 to schools and community-based organizations across the state to enhance personal financial literacy education. A total of 29 Financial Literacy Innovation Grants were awarded to local institutions. Funding for the program is provided by the DFI through settlement dollars designated for financial education initiatives.

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly emphasized the broader impact of the funding, noting that financial literacy equips students with essential practical skills to navigate life after graduation. The grant initiative directly supports classroom implementation of the Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy and helps school districts align with Wisconsin Act 60. This law mandates a half-credit personal financial literacy course for high school graduation starting with the Class of 2028.

In addition to student instruction, many recipient organizations plan to engage parents and community members through family-focused financial wellness events, fostering multi-generational financial capability. DFI Secretary Wendy K. Baumann commended local educators and partners for introducing creative learning models that prepare young adults for sound decision-making.