Dear Legislators and Education Leaders,

My name is Rithika Binu (rithikambinu@gmail.com), and I am a 16-year-old student at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington. I’m writing to share why I believe financial literacy education should be mandatory in our high schools.

When I was younger, I experienced a financial situation that made me realize how unprepared many young people are to manage money. Decisions about managing those funds were made for me because it was assumed I wouldn’t have the maturity to handle them—even as I approach adulthood. This eye-opening experience made me reflect on a larger issue: the lack of financial literacy education in schools, which leaves students unprepared to navigate financial challenges.

It’s not that young people lack potential; we aren’t given the tools. Financial literacy is an essential life skill, yet most schools don’t teach students how to budget, save, manage credit, or plan for their futures. Many of my peers ask questions like How do I create a budget? What’s a credit score? How do I save for my goals?—but there’s no structured way to learn these skills in school.

This realization inspired me to begin working on Junior Finance Academy, an initiative to teach students financial skills and empower them to make informed decisions. This effort has garnered recognition, including being featured on the cover of 425 Business Magazine. The coverage underscored the critical need for financial literacy in today's world and highlighted how initiatives like Junior Finance Academy are addressing this gap. However, programs like mine can only reach so many students. That’s why, as part of my work through Girl Scouts of Western Washington, I’m advocating for financial literacy to become a mandatory part of the high school curriculum in Washington.

A semester-long course covering essential topics like budgeting, saving, credit, loans, taxes, and investing would prepare students to take control of their financial futures. States like Utah and Missouri have already implemented similar programs, showing significant improvements in financial behavior among young adults. Washington has the opportunity to follow their lead and ensure that every student is equipped with these essential life skills.

I urge you to champion this critical initiative and prioritize financial literacy education in Washington high schools. Together, we can create a future where teens like me—and generations to come—are prepared to confidently manage their financial lives.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be happy to share more about my experiences and the work I’ve been doing if that would be helpful.

Sincerely,
Rithika Binu
Interlake High School Student

What is the Problem?

High school students are graduating without essential financial literacy skills, leaving them unprepared to navigate adulthood successfully. Many teens lack the knowledge of how to budget, save, manage credit, or invest, leading to debt, poor financial decisions, and long-term financial instability. The absence of financial education in schools perpetuates a cycle of financial insecurity and fails to prepare students for the real-world challenges they will inevitably face.

What Action Could Be Taken?
We are calling on Washington State legislators, education boards, and officials, including the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to make financial literacy a mandatory part of the high school curriculum. A semester-long course should cover critical topics such as budgeting, saving, credit management, taxes, and investing.

This program can follow the successful example of Utah’s General Financial Literacy course, which has significantly improved financial behaviors among students. By introducing legislation or curriculum changes and allocating necessary resources, we can ensure that every student graduates with the tools to manage their financial future.

Why Is It Important?
Financial literacy is not just an academic subject—it’s a life skill that impacts every individual. Without it, young adults are at risk of falling into debt, struggling with financial planning, and facing economic hardships. Preparing students with these skills before they graduate will:

Reduce student debt and financial mismanagement.
Empower teens to make informed decisions about their financial futures.
Foster long-term financial stability for individuals and communities.
By making financial literacy a priority, we can create a generation of financially responsible and independent young adults equipped to contribute positively to society.

Why Should Others Join This Campaign?
A financially literate society benefits everyone. Parents want their children to succeed, educators strive to prepare students for real-world challenges, and communities thrive when individuals are financially stable. Supporting this initiative means advocating for a future where young adults are empowered, confident, and capable of managing their finances effectively.

By signing this petition, you are helping to ensure that no student enters adulthood without the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can make financial literacy education a priority and create lasting change for generations to come.