Over the past few years, there has been heavy focus on improving education throughout the State of Arkansas. The passage of the LEARNS Act in 2023 increased minimum teacher compensation, prioritized improvements in literacy proficiency, improved safety measures at school facilities, and allowed public funds to be used by families whose children attend private schools.
But there are still vital fundamentals absent in graduating seniors. According to many large employers throughout Northwest Arkansas, young adults entering the workforce immediately following high school graduation are missing fundamental math and personal finance skills. The lack of these skills forces employers to spend countless hours training new employees on basic knowledge they should already possess. This effects productivity and leads to a less efficient workforce.
Workforce readiness is a popular catch phrase across the State of Arkansas and has been a focus of policymakers in the recent past. But workforce readiness must include instilling basic math and personal finance skills in youth before they graduate and enter the workforce.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce and the Rogers Lowell Chamber are partnering to advocate for a groundbreaking program designed to provide students with a real-world foundation in business and personal finance education. The goal is simple, to ensure today’s high school students have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers. We believe the new AP Business Principles and Personal Finance curriculum can bridge the gap.
The AP Business Principles and Personal Finance curriculum is a practical, project-based learning approach that will teach students smart and relevant lessons on how companies work, how to make wise financial decisions, and how to thrive in the modern economy. Course framework is career focused and designed for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway and will meet the State of Arkansas graduation requirements for personal finance.
According to research by Gallup, employees who feel financially stable are more engaged, innovative, and loyal. They have the bandwidth to focus on strategic goals, collaborate effectively, and bring their best ideas forward. Education is key to our state having a quality, productive workforce. We believe this curriculum is needed in Arkansas high schools today to ensure our state’s economic success in the future. If you want to know more about this curriculum and how to advocate for its implementation in your school district, please reach out to [email protected]
