Education Matters

Starting with the graduating class of 2024, North Carolina Public School Students are now required to take an economics and personal finance course to develop financial literacy as a graduation requirement. This curriculum equips students with financial knowledge and skills to navigate their financial futures. One area included in this requirement is planning and paying for postsecondary education, which has the potential to help students understand Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which serves as a gateway to accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid for postsecondary opportunities. FAFSA empowers students and families to make informed decisions, comprehend the expenses linked to education, and develop effective strategies for managing their finances throughout their academic journey. Guests: Jessica Swencki, Deputy Director, myFutureNC Kathy Hastings McDonald, Associate Director for Outreach, NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) Leslie Walden, Vice President,