Alberta invests $5M in financial literacy programs for students

The Alberta government is investing $5 million in basic financial literacy education programs for students in Grades 3 to 12 over the next three years.

Alberta is partnering with and increasing funding to three organizations, according to a government press release.

• Enriched Academy which will receive $900,000 per year;
• Canadian Foundation for Economic Education will receive $500,000 per year;
• Junior Achievement will receive $250,000 per year.

“Students are our future entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education.
“Understanding essential concepts such as income, expenses, interest, investing, saving, and taxes will set them up for success and help them prosper in today’s changing world.

“This investment into financial literacy programming will give Alberta’s next generation the much-needed financial knowledge and skills for personal and professional success.”

#AB’s new K-6 curriculum includes an increased emphasis on foundational literacy & numeracy skills, as well as a stronger foundation in financial literacy in all grades. Programming will support financial literacy learnings in the new K-6 Phys Ed and Wellness curriculum.

— Adriana LaGrange (@AdrianaLaGrange) May 5, 2022

Both Enriched Academy and Canadian Foundation for Economic Education provide students in Grades 7 to 12 with financial literacy basics such as money management, budgeting, credit, and student loans.

These organizations also provide professional learning opportunities for teachers and school leaders looking to facilitate financial literacy lessons into their lesson plans.

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Junior Achievement focuses on youth in Grades 3 to 6 looking to get hands-on and practical financial education, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education.

“Junior Achievement is pleased to continue our successful partnership with the provincial government to expand financial literacy programming for students across Alberta,” said Melissa From, the president and CEO of Junior Achievement Southern Alberta.

The funding is part of the Alberta at Work initiative.