The 9th Annual Financial Capability Conference gathered a dynamic group of students, dedicated professionals, and state leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of financial education. This year, the spotlight was firmly on the students, proving that the drive for financial literacy in Rhode Island is a movement led by the very people it serves.

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A New Voice in Policy

One of the most exciting announcements from the conference was the official introduction of the Rhode Island Youth Financial Policy Council. Developed by students from the Wheeler School and beyond, this council aims to give minors a seat at the table in the General Assembly and the Treasurer’s office.

As one student panelist noted, financial policy doesn’t just affect adults—it impacts everyone. The council’s goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or neighborhood, has access to the tools they need to build a stable financial future [01:52].

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Beyond the Graduation Requirement

While Rhode Island has already made financial literacy a graduation requirement, conference speakers emphasized that the work is far from over. Advocacy continues to ensure that:

• Standalone Classes: Financial literacy should remain a dedicated subject rather than being “embedded” or lost within other curricula [02:40].
• Quality Instruction: Schools must be supported to deliver high-quality, impactful lessons that resonate with students’ real-world needs.
• Teacher Support: Events like this provide a vital network for educators who often teach personal finance as the only specialist in their building [03:20].

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Why It Matters

The energy at this year’s conference made one thing clear: Rhode Island is becoming a national model for how to integrate youth voices into state-level financial policy. By treating financial education as a “backbone of society,” we aren’t just teaching kids how to manage money—we are giving them the keys to equal opportunity [01:39].

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Watch the full video here: