Zook Hall, Suite 401
Akron, OH 44325-4210
BarkerCenter@uakron.edu
330-972-7708
On December 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.
Upcoming Programming |
Workshop Title |
Date/Time and Location | Registration Information |
Teaching Cryptocurrency, Gr. 7-12 *Available for discounted graduate credit |
January 25, 2023 4:30- 6:00pm Virtual Event |
Registration Closed |
Diversita: Expanding Diversity in Financial Planning & Wealth Management Sponsored by UA College of Business |
February 8th, 2023 12- 3pm Virtual Event |
|
Using Children's Literature to Teach Economics |
March 29th, 2023 4:30- 5:45pm Virtual Event |
|
Educator Study Tour to Ireland: Crossing Borders, Building Bridges *Available for discounted graduate credit |
June 11th -22nd, 2023 |
Applications Closed |
Ohio’s Teaching Financial Literacy Conference |
July 6th & 7th, 2023 8:30-2:30pm Akron, OH |
This is an off-campus course for those who want to investigate the process of individual and social development through expeditionary learning. Come explore Irish history and culture in context with us on this two-country adventure, from ancient stone circles of the Republic of Ireland to the political wall murals of Northern Ireland. | Download flyer
The Barker Center for Economic Education's staff, along with University of Akron education majors from the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education, collaborate with volunteers in business and financial services to bring family financial fun events to area elementary, middle, and secondary schools. During these community events, youth rotate between financial fun learning stations, all aligned to Ohio's Financial Literacy Standards, while learning about such financial fundamentals as budgeting, earning, savings, spending, and credit. Youth earn prizes along the way as they travel between stations, and families gain valuable tools and resources to have informed conversations with youth for financial fitness. We've partnered with a variety of area schools (Cleveland Municipal School District, Barberton City Schools, Hubbard City Schools, and others) and financial service partners to successfully plan and implement these community financial fun events.
Be sure to reach out now to learn more about our hosting one of these events at your school!
Join Us for the Largest Gathering of Ohio Financial Literacy Educators (Gr. K-16)!
Presenter proposals, sponsorship opportunities, and early bird registration are now being accepted for this event taking place at The University of Akron.
Learn About Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities
Early Bird Participant Registration is Now Open!
Conference Highlights Include
Educator Institute: Teaching Financial Literacy |
Educators from 18 different K12 school districts and organizations from across Ohio visited The University of Akron’s campus from July 6th-8th for “Teaching Financial Literacy: An Educator Institute.” Educators heard from industry experts and walked away with lessons and activities aligned to Ohio’s K12 Financial Literacy Standards on topics such as saving, earning, credit, investing, and risk-management. Attendees were also amongst the first to tour the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s newly renovated Money Museum, on the final day of the institute.
Institute attendees had positive feedback to share about their three-day experience:
Be sure to follow us on social media and sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter for invites to future institutes, workshops, and conferences!
Looking to engage with the Barker Center in a fun and informal way? Connect with us to find relevant content, programs, inside scoops, networking opportunities and more.
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Giving doesn't have to be time consuming or difficult. Take advantage of our online form and within a few minutes, you can make a gift to support our efforts to promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and economic education.
There are other ways to give as well.