StateCommendationIn commemoration of April as Youth Financial Literacy Month recently proclaimed by Governor Maggie Hassan, three New Hampshire high schools received a Governor’s Commendation for exceeding the state minimum requirements for its students with the additional graduation requirement of a ½ credit of Personal Finance.  This recognition will take place at the April 23rd meeting of the Governor and Executive Council at the State House.

The three high schools receiving the Governor’s Commendation are: Bedford High School, Hinsdale High School, and Newfound Regional High School.  The recognition coincided with the release of a statewide research report of NH high schools conducted by the NH Jump$tart Coalition.  The report details which high schools meet the state’s minimum requirements for economics and personal finance.

Financial Literacy is Standard 6 within the Economics state minimum requirement as described in the K-12 Curriculum Frameworks for Social Studies. These three high schools from Bedford, Bristol and Hinsdale all require a standalone, separate course in personal finance in addition to the Economics requirement.

Daniel Hebert, NH Jump$tart’s State President, thanked the Governor for her recognition and congratulated the high schools on behalf of the members of the all-volunteer organization. “Since our inception 14 years ago, NH Jump$tart has always advocated for a separate, standalone course in personal finance in order for our young people to gain the skills they will need to be productive and self-sufficient adults.  It is heartening to know that Governor Hassan understands how important personal, financial capability is to the success of our children, “Hebert stated.

Governor Hassan acknowledged that the “acquisition of financial literacy skills by New Hampshire youth will improve the quality of their lives as adults; will provide them with skills for success; will contribute to positive changes for the communities in which they live and work; and will benefit the economy of this state.” She commended each of the schools “in emphasizing the importance of youth financial literacy for the children of their school district and of this state.”