‘Jeopardy!’ teaches CT high schoolers how to manage their money
Scanlon and State Treasurer Erick Russell are bringing “Financial Literacy Jeopardy!” to schools across the state.
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“Jeopardy!” isn’t just a TV show anymore. Connecticut students are using it to learn all about personal finance – as the state prepares to make financial literacy classes a graduation requirement.
“JEOPARDY!”
“You guys ready to play a game?” State Comptroller Sean Scanlon told an auditorium full of West Haven High School students on Tuesday.
Scanlon and State Treasurer Erick Russell are bringing “Financial Literacy Jeopardy!” to schools across the state. The questions are all about managing money – and West Haven students got every one of them right.
“I was absolutely destroying the competition,” said junior Josh Osborne.
FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASSES
The teens had a leg up, because West Haven already teaches personal finance.
“It's two separate classes,” Osborne said. “Business management is a one-year class. I think personal finance is a half-year.”
Starting in 2027, all Connecticut students must pass a financial literacy class to graduate.
“Some of the skills that we learn in high school are things we never use again,” Scanlon said. “These are skills they will use every single day for the rest of their lives.”
BRIDGING THE WEALTH GAP
But personal finance isn ’t all fun and games. These classes could be a key component to reversing generational poverty.
Russell knows that first-hand. He went to high school in West Haven, and was the first in his family to go to college.
“It’s obviously about creating more opportunity for people,” Russell said. “But having these skills, and being able to apply them, when folks do have opportunities with resources is critically important.”
Russell’s team ended up winning.
“I always hate to lose, but it’s great to see the kids win,” Scanlon said. “And it was a close match today. We’ll see if we get them next time."
Scanlon may have an advantage next time. The game’s next stop is his hometown of Guilford.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Want to help your kids get financially literate? Check out this page with lots of helpful resources
