The Jump$tart Student Honor Society for Personal Financial Literacy is a national student recognition program that celebrates student achievements in advancing financial literacy, as well as their commitment to living by sound money-management principles. By recognizing these young leaders, Jump$tart hopes to encourage students everywhere to learn about personal finance and practice informed financial decision-making.
Criteria
To be accepted into the Jump$tart Student Honor Society, you must be a current 9th–12th grade student, who is knowledgeable about personal finance and committed to advancing financial literacy among your peers.
To demonstrate your own knowledge of personal finance concepts, you must provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- A school transcript showing that you took and passed a course in personal finance; or
- A student financial literacy certification from a recognized organization; or
- Participation in a financial literacy competition sponsored by a Jump$tart national partner organization or Jump$tart-affiliated state coalition.
Share a personal statement describing why financial literacy matters to you and how your efforts have made a difference in your future, your family or community.
- Prepare a 150-to-250-word essay answering the above statement.
To demonstrate your commitment to advancing financial literacy among your peers, you must provide evidence of at least two of the following:
- Participate in the Jump$tart Teen Teach-In.[1]
- Publicly advocate for financial education by publishing an op-ed, blog post, or vlog post; providing testimony at a state or local hearing; doing an interview with a news outlet or podcast; or a similar, verifiable activity.[2]
- Create and/or hold a leadership role (officer) in a financial literacy club for students that is recognized by your school or another established entity.
- Create a new financial education resource or program that meets criteria for being listed in the Jump$tart Clearinghouse.[3]
- Lead or take part in activities or mentorships to raise awareness among young people about the importance of financial literacy, the need for financial education, and the availability of financial education information and resources.
If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must also sign the application.
Core Objectives
- Recognize and celebrate student-led efforts to promote financial literacy through projects, events, lessons, campaigns, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels.
- Empower student voices as they contribute to, and even lead, financial education initiatives that reflect their interests, experiences, and unique perspectives.
- Encourage thoughtful peer-to-peer learning programs and resources, based on accurate, objective information.
- Build meaningful partnerships among students, student organizations, and between students and the financial literacy community.
- Offer Honor Society Members a relevant accolade to help further their education or career.
[1] Should have a Jump$tart-provided certificate or confirmation by the high school teacher.
[2] Provide a link to the published advocacy or interview; submit a docket or agenda showing yourself as a scheduled speaker or witness.
[3] Resource is either submitted to and accepted by the Jump$tart Clearinghouse or it is reviewed and determined to meet the qualitative criteria if it were submitted.