BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – High schoolers across the state are learning something new this year. Students are now required to take a financial literacy course before they graduate.
Over at East Ascension High School, Lisa Hoppenstedt is teaching students how to better manage their money.
“We just wrapped up the banking unit and we’re talking about credit cards, credit scores, improving your credit scores, filing taxes, insurance, and breaking that down. I mean I really wish I knew that at their age,” explained Hoppenstedt.
She’s been teaching financial literacy for five years now. She said it’s been offered as a math elective since 2018. However, only students in the Jumpstart program could take it. That’s changing this year though.
“Why aren’t the college-bound students allowed to take this course has always been a question I’ve had so I’m excited that it’s now going to be offered and required for everyone,” said Hoppenstedt.
This is the first school year high schoolers across the state are required to take a financial literacy class in order to graduate and receive TOPS. It’s something former Governor John Bell Edwards signed into law, making Louisiana the 22nd state in the country to do this. Hoppenstedt said the class can have a lasting effect on financial security.
“The states that have had it required for as long as 20 years, their average credit scores are way higher so it’s definitely going to be impactful for the future,” said Hoppenstedt.
She believes preparing more students for the real world just makes sense.
“It’s just real-life stuff,” said Hoppenstedt. “So many people have poor credit scores because no one taught them this information. I have a finance degree myself and never learned these topics in any of my finance classes, so it sets them on the right path.”
The requirement will start with students who are set to graduate in 2026.
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