Most high schoolers want to learn about financial topics, but only 10 states require it [Video]

Norris Williford, a 22-year-old college senior, doesn’t just work at the MBM Kicks shoe store in downtown Richmond, Virginia — he owns it. And it was a high school class that helped him gain the skills for how to open a business at such a young age.

“Ms. Hayer was actually one of my biggest influences. She taught me a financial literacy class,” Williford said.

Charlotte Hayer teaches at Richmond Community High School, where a course covering topics like investing, budgeting and saving, is required for graduation.

“I unashamedly tell my students that this is the most important course they will take,” Hayer said.

While 85% of high schoolers nationwide say they want to learn about financial topics, according to business software company Intuit, only 10 states require such a course, according to Champlain College’s Center for Financial Literacy. But by 2031, that’s expected to jump to 26 states.

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