Erica Wax, chairwoman of CARE Chicago, discusses the lively engagement she experiences while teaching financial literacy to high school students, highlighting their curiosity about topics such as credit cards and student loans. While Illinois has made strides in integrating financial education into its curriculum, receiving a “B” on a national report card, challenges persist due to variations in implementation across districts. In Chicago Public Schools, financial literacy is taught through a comprehensive programme called “Empowered,” covering various financial topics. However, experts like Vince Shorb emphasise the need for more robust financial education, advocating for standalone classes and practical life skills instruction. To address these gaps, initiatives are underway to enhance programming, support teachers, and make financial education more engaging for students. Despite these challenges, Wax remains optimistic about students’ interest in financial topics, although she sometimes redirects discussions back to the core curriculum.
