Partners and board members help welcome attendees to the Annual Awards event.

About Us

The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in Washington, D.C. The coalition consists of more than 100 national organizations and a network of  independent, affiliated state coalitions that share a commitment to advancing youth financial literacy.

Jump$tart supports the financial education efforts of its partners and affiliates, brings together the financial literacy community to foster cooperation and collaboration. Jump$tart raises the importance of financial literacy and the importance of effective financial education.

Mission

The mission of the Jump$tart Coalition is to advance financial literacy and financial equity, especially among our nation’s youth, through communication, collaboration, and support for effectiveness in financial education.

Vision

Every student in the U.S. receives a financial education that sufficiently prepares them for their adult lives.

Unique Proposition

Jump$tart focuses its efforts on preschool through college-age students, prioritizing those who are less advantaged, and achieves its goals collaboratively, harnessing the collective strength of diverse partners and affiliates and supporting the work they do individually.

Core Beliefs

  • Financial literacy is a key element of financial well-being – when coupled with financial access and inclusion, consumer protection, clear information, and the ethical guidance of financial services professionals.
  • Effective financial education improves financial literacy. Financial education in school is critical to students who – for a variety of reasons – cannot get sufficient financial guidance at home.
  • A basic introduction to money topics should begin in elementary school as young students are forming their thoughts and behaviors.
  • Teachers, when provided training, support, resources, recognition and encouragement, are vital to a successful financial education effort.
  • Supporting classroom-based financial education in communities of color and/or less advantaged communities is an investment in these communities through a permanent institution – schools.
  • Families, community organizations, communications vehicles, and others who provide guidance and support to kids are valuable to the financialliteracy effort.
  • Variety and choice in financial education programs and resources will best meet the needs of students, educators, families, and others from varied demographics, circumstances, and learning proclivities.
  • Together, Jump$tart’s partners, affiliates, educators, and supporters – from many sectors – have the resources, reach, and expertise to advance financial literacy nationwide.
  • Sound, independent research is essential to guiding and informing our efforts; however, in a still emerging field, we also recognize the need for some initiatives to precede applicable research.

Key Initiatives

  • Project Groundswell: A national grassroots effort designed to get more financial education into more schools for more students. To learn more, visit CheckYourSchool.org.
  • Financial Literacy Month (April): A month-long campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of financial literacy.
  • Annual Awards Luncheon: The event kicks off Financial Literacy Month, bringing together the financial literacy community to honor accomplishments in the field.
  • Hill Day: An opportunity for the financial literacy community raise awareness on Capitol Hill.
  • The National Standards: Created to delineate the personal finance knowledge and ability that young people should acquire throughout their kindergarten through 12th grade school years.
  • Jump$tart Clearinghouse: The premier online library of financial education resources.
  • National Educator Conference: The only national conference dedicated to financial education in the classroom and the professionals who teach it.
  • Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators: A comprehensive content model that ensures consistency and rigor in professional development for teachers.