Over the last few years, much of the excitement within the financial education field has focused on the incredible momentum we’re seeing as the majority of states enact K-12 graduation requirements that will benefit millions of students. However, as the leading voice in financial education, NEFE’s policy and advocacy work extends well beyond the state-level focus.
NEFE recognizes the importance of engaging our federal policymakers to ensure all levels of government work together to ensure all Americans can live their best financial lives. That’s why we spotlight financial education each year at Financial Literacy Day on Capitol Hill, an event we host in collaboration with the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. While the event is always wonderful, 2025 represented a special milestone—the 20th year in which financial education leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., to celebrate our collective work and impact.
We were thrilled to be joined by honorary co-hosts of the event, Representative Young Kim (R-CA) and Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH), as more than 40 of the financial education field’s committed and engaged partners packed into the Rayburn House Office Building to educate, inform and advocate to members of Congress and their staffs.
“We are grateful for the collaboration that highlights the work and progress, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing this field on a national level. There is demand for this work, there is a demonstrated need for this work and everyone in this room is committed to doing the work on a meaningful and thoughtful level.
Dr. Billy Hensley, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education
This year’s event coincided with the 30th state passing legislation requiring a financial education course for high school graduation. The energy in the room was palpable as exhibitors and Capitol Hill staff discussed ways to capitalize on this incredible momentum and expand the reach of financial education to all Americans.
In their remarks, Representatives Kim and Beatty highlighted their bipartisan commitment to the field through their roles as co-chairs of the House Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus. They reflected on the importance of financial literacy in their own lives and the vital work being done by the organizations in attendance.
"Financial literacy is a life-long learning experience and it’s never too late or too early to start the education process.
Rep. Young Kim (R-CA)
Everyone at the event, from educators and practitioners to advocacy groups and policymakers, demonstrated a continued commitment to expanding access to effective financial education. Discussions explored advocacy within the 20 states that do not (yet) have a financial education requirement, implementation support for states rolling those courses out, and opportunities for engagement in higher education, the financial services sector and beyond.
“You come here and you lobby us on the Capitol, you participate in programs like this so people can not only strive but they can thrive.
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
In addition to the exhibitor event, NEFE staff and Billy Hensley, Ph.D., NEFE president and CEO, had the opportunity to meet with the offices of some of the most committed financial education supporters in Congress, including Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), who co-chair the Senate Financial Literacy Caucus. NEFE, which is proudly based in Denver, also connected with members of the Colorado congressional delegation, as well as representatives and senators from states that are currently implementing K-12 graduation requirements. Our goal was to emphasize the vital role Congress plays in shaping the future of financial literacy efforts across the U.S. while urging members to keep financial education at the top of their policy agendas.
A special thanks to Jump$tart President Laura Levine and her entire team for their continued support and coordination of Hill Day. We are excited to work with everyone who attended this year’s event to capitalize on the nationwide momentum to ensure everyone has the knowledge, confidence and opportunity to live their best financial life.
