Championing the Advancement of F.L.E.C. Subjects:

Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Career Readiness

F.L.E.C. subjects prioritize education in areas that directly influence the financial well-being of our nation’s citizens.

Despite the universal need to understand how to earn and manage money, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career-focused subjects are rarely included in school curricula. Current high school mandates often leave students unprepared to face the financial challenges of adulthood.

The mission of the F.L.E.C. Alliance is to advocate for essential coursework that empowers and equips our children, safeguarding their financial futures and expanding their opportunities.

F.L.E.C. Subjects Defined

F.L.E.C. Subjects have a direct relationship with our youth’s ability to earn and manage their money:

Financial Literacy education helps people acquire the knowledge and behaviors they need to make informed, qualified financial decisions about their money.

Entrepreneurship and Career education provide the skill sets necessary to earn money, both for daily life and to pursue longer-term goals.

Modeling STEM’s Success to Advancement of F.L.E.C. Subjects

STEM coursework (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has received billions of dollars in funding and occupies over one-third of high school students’ time. While STEM is supported by strong branding and influential organizations, the reality is that most students primarily experience the science and math components.

Currently, STEM-related jobs account for just 6.4% of the job market, with projections increasing slightly to 6.9% by 2033. While STEM careers are critical for innovation, their applicability remains limited for the majority of students.

F.L.E.C. subjects—financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness—offer a distinct advantage: they are universally beneficial and directly relevant to the lives of all students. By modeling the success of STEM advocacy, we aim to elevate the importance of F.L.E.C. education, ensuring every student is equipped with the essential skills for financial and career success.

6.4%

Percent of STEM-related Job Opportunities

0.5%

Increase of STEM-related jobs by 2033

No State Currently Mandates Comprehensive FLEC Training

The data is alarming. No states offer any comprehensive financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or career coursework.

Financial Literacy

While financial literacy is mandated in about half the states, the average student receives less than 20 hours of financial education. Additionally, no state meets the minimum education requirements to ensure students are adequately prepared.

Entrepreneurship

No state requires a stand-alone entrepreneurship course as a graduation requirement, nor does any state offer programming at a sufficient level to prepare young entrepreneurs for success.

Career

There is a broad range of Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, and some states allow these to provide additional pathways for graduation. However, most students will never receive coursework to explore career pathways or adequately prepare students to enter the workforce.

F.L.E.C. Subjects: An Advantage Over Traditional Coursework

Isn’t the ultimate goal of education to equip students with the skills needed to become self-sufficient, contributing members of society?

F.L.E.C. (Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Career Readiness) subjects stand out by directly addressing students’ fundamental human needs. These subjects provide every student with practical knowledge on how to earn, manage, protect, and grow their money—skills that are essential for navigating life successfully.

Unlike other subjects that may benefit only a portion of students or have limited real-world application, F.L.E.C. subjects offer universal value. By prioritizing F.L.E.C. education, we can create a future where students are better prepared to face life’s challenges and opportunities, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

About the National Financial Educators Council

The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) is the only accredited financial education institution in our vertical, setting the standard for quality and impact. Our leadership in the financial education space is built on a commitment to advocating for educational subjects that empower communities nationwide.

Accreditation

As an IACET Accredited Provider, the NFEC offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

Social Impact

As a Certified B Corporation, the NFEC meets the highest standards for socially responsible commerce, using the power of business to build more sustainable economies.

Standards

The NFEC set industry standards for the financial education and financial coaching industry These standards are used to review and recognize programs that align with these standards.

NFEC Financial Literacy Standard Alignment Verified

Sign the Petition to Encourage FLEC Subjects in Schools

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NFEC’s United for Financial Literacy Campaign Champions F.L.E.C. Education Nationwide

Become a Part of the United for Financial Literacy Advocacy Committee

The United for Financial Literacy Advocacy Committee was established to support educators teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness, while also highlighting the critical importance of these subjects for the financial health of individuals and communities nationwide.

Alliance members urge educators, policymakers, parents, and citizens to prioritize F.L.E.C. education as an essential part of school curricula, ensuring that students from elementary to high school are prepared for financial and professional success.

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