The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer is launching the N.C. Fiscal Policy Challenge, a statewide financial literacy competition. High school aged students are invited to develop ideas for strengthening North Carolina’s financial future. Student teams will research a state policy issue, develop solutions and present their ideas.
The competition gives teens a chance to apply what they learn about money and finance to real challenges facing our state. In order to qualify to participate, teams will have to be part of a Cash Club, the new financial literacy clubs launched by the Department of State Treasurer. Teams will prepare a policy proposal and compete through regional rounds for a place in the state final. Competition details, including this year’s topic and participation information, are available at nctreasurer.gov/ncfiscalchallenge.
“Financial literacy is more than knowing how to save for a purchase or make a budget,” said State Treasurer Brad Briner. “It’s also about understanding how financial decisions affect our communities and our state. The North Carolina Fiscal Policy Challenge gives students the chance to put their knowledge to work and share thoughtful ideas for North Carolina’s future.”
The challenge builds on the Department’s growing financial literacy efforts for young people. Its Finance Fridays With the Treasurer newsletter offers accessible information on personal finance, while Cash Clubs give students a place to explore those topics through activities and discussion. Cash Clubs are designed for high school and out-of-school groups and draw on material from the newsletter.
The Department’s high school internship program adds another way for students to learn and contribute. Interns work on financial literacy projects, including developing materials for students and supporting the statewide club effort. Together, the newsletter, clubs, internship and competition give teens several ways to build financial knowledge and take part in the conversation about the state’s future.
If your school or group has not launched a Cash Club, there is still time. Feel free to reach out to Loretta Boniti, Communications Director for the N.C. Department of State Treasurer for information.
Students, educators and club advisors can find competition information and updates at nctreasurer.gov/ncfiscalchallenge. Information about Cash Clubs, Finance Fridays and the high school internship program is available at nctreasurer.gov/finance-fridays.
Click to flyer to promote North Carolina Fiscal Policy Challenge.