Governor Announces Financial Knowledge Challenge for Students

By Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, January 05, 2012

Virginia high-schoolers will have a chance to show off their financial smarts in the first Governor’s Challenge, announced by Gov. Bob McDonnell on Wednesday.

The Governor’s Challenge in Economics and Personal Finance will invite teams of four high school students to participate this spring in an online test of what they’ve learned in their economics and finance courses, which were a new requirement this year.

Beginning with this year’s high school freshmen, Virginia high school students must earn a credit in economics and personal finance before graduating. The Governor’s Challenge is an effort to support the implementation of the course, according to a press release.

Student teams will be able to participate in the online challenge from March 7 to April 4. Students can participate in an economics division, advanced economics division or personal finance division. Eight regional winners in each of the three divisions will be recognized. The winners, along with four other high scoring teams in each division, will be invited to participate in a live championship challenge held at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond on April 20.

“Academic competitions challenge and motivate students to study, collaborate and learn more about an important topic,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright. “The Governor’s Challenge in Economics and Personal Finance will promote a greater understanding of this vital content and at the same time encourage the competitive spirit and teamwork today’s employers expect.”

The Governor’s Challenge will also include professional development opportunities for teachers. Since 2010, the Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE) and its affiliates have served more than 600 teachers with 40-hour institutes provided at Christopher Newport University, George Mason University, James Madison University, Lynchburg College, Old Dominion University, University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University. Expert speakers from a variety of banks, credit unions and financial planning groups have also provided instruction.

Learn more about the Governor’s Challenge and the new economic education requirements here.