The H. Kenneth Barker Center for

Economic Education

Barker Center Founders

Early Bird Registration is Now Open

The 2024 Teaching Financial Literacy Institute

July 8, 9, & 10th, 2024

Spots Limited

Click Here to Learn More!


Upcoming Programming

Workshop

Date

Location

Price

Ohio Economic Forum

*Organized by the UA Economics Department

Register Now!

April 11th from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (EST) University of Akron, Main Campus Varies

A Celebration & Reception for Financial Literacy Month

Register Now!

 

April 25th from 6:00 pm - 7:20 pm (EST) University of Akron, Main Campus $51 per ticket (Spots Limited)

Teaching Financial Literacy Summer Institute

Register Now!

Flyer

July 8, 9, & 10th from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm (EST) University of Akron, Main Campus Early Bird Registration (April 15th):
$249

*Programming offered through affiliate for partner organizations

logo3.jpg

About The H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education

The Barker Center is a nonprofit partnership of leaders from the education and business communities dedicated to economic literacy. We prepare and support the teaching and learning of economics in grades K-16. Our goal is to educate educators so they can bring high quality, standards-based instruction to their students.

We believe every child in every school can benefit from practical economic knowledge that will influence better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. The Center and our partners contribute to the region’s economic health and vibrancy.

More about the Center


logo1.jpg

Past Events

Educator Study Tours in Global Economic Education

Ireland SU 2023.jpg

Since our founding in 1974, the Barker Center has prioritized teacher trainings in the area of global economic education. Programing has included educator study tours, visiting scholar exchanges, research, and curriculum development. Programing has focused on the exploration of global economic systems related to the factors of production, international trade and investment, and contemporary global economic issues; namely, development towards poverty abolition. 

View more details here

Family Financial Fun Nights

Station 1_Earning Power.jpgThe Barker Center was amongst the first Centers in the country to pilot and implement Family Financial Fun Nights in area elementary, middle, and secondary schools. We combine financial education with fun, participants rotate between financial fun learning stations, all aligned to Ohio's Financial Literacy Standards and financial fundamentals while earning prizes along the way.

We've partnered with a variety of area schools and financial service partners to successfully organize and implement these community financial fun events. Contact us to learn more about hosting one of these events at your school!

Read the full story


logo2.jpg

In the News

Govenor Dewine signing into bill required financial literacy for high schoolers

Dec. 14, 2021 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law historic legislation that requires all high school students to take a semester-long course specifically devoted to financial literacy. Our Executive Director, Dr. Brad Maguth, worked with lawmakers to help advocate and shape this critical legislation.

A special thank you to the Bill’s sponsors, State Senators Steven Wilson (District 7) & Rob McColley (District 1), for their efforts to advance this legislation. The new graduation requirement will start with high school freshmen entering in 2022-23. Educators are also required to complete specialized training to demonstrate competency (in earning a state financial literacy validation) in order to be eligible to teach this financial literacy course. Funding for teacher training has been provided in the legislation.

Are you interested in learning more about Senate Bill 1? In accessing high-quality standards-based resources and techniques to teach financial literacy? If so, be sure to reach out to Center staff, with over with over 45 years of offering teacher professional development opportunities and resources, to best meet your individual, school/district, or organization's needs.

2023 Teaching Financial Literacy Conference

2023 Conference.jpg

The Center welcomed educators from across Ohio, the USA, and world to its hybrid 2023 Teaching Financial Literacy Conference in Akron, OH on July 6th & 7th! Professional educators joined industry professionals to access standards-based, high leverage practices and insights in teaching K12 economics and financial literacy. A secondary teacher from Japan that attended noted, "This conference helped me access important financial literacy resources to help move my instruction and students to the next level." 

Read more


Why is financial literacy is important?

Financial Literacy

Make a gift to UA

With our easy online form you can support our efforts to promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and economic education.

Also, see other ways to give to UA.

Connect with us

Join our newsletter