Students, educators, or organizations providing financial well-being programs or instruction can apply to receive a Financial Education Innovation Award. There are three categories of recipients:

• Students seeking financial assistance to pursue post-secondary education.
• Community organizations that are providing community-based financial well-being programs. 
• Individual educators in the K-12 and higher education systems in classroom settings organizations 

Please do not apply for this award if you cannot provide an outline of your financial education program detailing the various aspects you are covering such as budgeting, credit, saving, investing, etc.

Any program that prioritizes improving the financial well-being of its participants will be considered for an award. Programming must address one or more components of financial well-being. Programs that support foundational skills development, like literacy, business coaching, or life skills in pursuit of financial well-being will also be considered.

Any classroom educators in the K-12 system or higher education will be considered. Classroom financial educators that support financial education for students and families with dynamic, creative, and effective teaching practices will be considered. Instruction could include a financial literacy unit, semester course, or lessons integrated throughout the day. Programming should address one or more components of financial capability.

The application cycle opens shortly after Financial Literacy Month, with awards  announced annually. 

• The program supports a significant portion of the student population
• More than one educator within the school is providing instruction
• The program is aligned with the school’s strategic goals
• The program is supported by administration

Documented community impact: This can include: testimonials from participants, pre and post test or survey results, a needs assessment, attendance records, curriculum maps, or outcome tracking. If you have questions about what qualifies, please email us at [email protected].

Financial well-being: Financial well-being describes a condition wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, feels secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life. It’s determined by the extent to which people feel that they:

• Have control over day-to-day and month-to-month finances
• Have the capacity to absorb a financial shock
• Are on track to meet their financial goals
• Have the financial freedom to make the choices that allow them to enjoy life

Financial Capability: Financial capability is the capacity, based on knowledge, skills, and access, to manage financial resources effectively.

Community Organization:  Community organization or community-based organization refers to organizations aimed at making desired improvements to a community's social health, well-being, and overall functioning. Organizations could be nonprofits, advocacy networks, professional development groups, government agencies, and more.

Individual Classrooms: One or more teachers or classrooms in a single school completing shared learning or instruction.

Innovation: Innovation can appear as a new teaching technique, instructional tool, learning process, or institutional structure that, when implemented, produces a significant change in teaching, resulting in better student learning. Innovations in education are intended to raise productivity and efficiency of learning and/or improve learning quality. Read more about the definition for innovation we use here.

Students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary program at a 2- or 4-year college, university, or trade school are eligible to apply for a Student FEIA. Students should be able to demonstrate their commitment to their own financial well-being.