House Bill 203, also known as "The Equity and Inclusion in Financial Literacy for All High School Students in Delaware Act," is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing the critical need for financial education in Delaware's public schools. Introduced by Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Millsboro, House Bill 203 seeks to make financial literacy education a requirement for all high school seniors in the state, beginning with students entering the 9th Grade in the 2025-2026 school year.  

Key Provisions of House Bill 203:  

Requires all Delaware public high school seniors to complete a half-credit course on financial literacy.  
Specifies the content that must be covered in the financial literacy course, including topics such as budgeting, credit management, investing strategies, and career options.  
Mandates the administration of a pre- and post-course financial literacy survey to measure the effectiveness of the curriculum.  
Encourages partnerships between schools and private or public enterprises to enhance the student experience and support financial literacy education.  
Why is House Bill 203 Important?  

According to the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC), young adults who receive education in financial literacy have better credit scores and lower debt delinquency rates as adults compared to those without such education. Yet currently only 25 states require high school students to take a course in personal finance (Council for Economic Education). Unfortunately, Delaware is not among them.    

The need for financial literacy education has never been more pressing. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 66% of Americans are deemed financially illiterate, leading to real and damaging consequences such as struggling with unmanageable debt and making poor financial decisions. However, investing in financial education has a major impact, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for a more financially literate and resilient society.  

The Urgent Need for Financial Literacy Education in Delaware Public Schools 

House Bill 203 is crucial for ensuring that Delaware students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions and succeed in today's complex financial landscape. By providing comprehensive financial education to all high school seniors, House Bill 203 aims to promote economic equity and empowerment, reduce financial insecurity, and foster a more financially literate population in Delaware. 

42,734 Delaware students are at risk of financial illiteracy  
83% of Delaware voters said a personal finance course should be guaranteed  
91% of Delaware voters believe a personal finance course in high school is an urgent need  
“C” is the grade Delaware received on the 2023 National Report Card on State Efforts to Improve Financial Literacy in High Schools  
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every Delaware student has the opportunity to build a solid foundation of financial knowledge and skills. Thank you for your support!