New York adopts K-12 requirements for personal finance and climate education

The New York State Board of Regents has approved new regulations requiring public schools to teach personal finance and climate education to students in grades K-12. This move is part of Phase 2 of the NY Inspires Plan, which follows recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures. The first phase, completed in July 2025, established the NYS Portrait of a Graduate.

Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. stated, “As we move toward implementing new graduation measures, equity and excellence remain at the heart of our work. Every student in New York deserves a meaningful education that prepares them not only for college and career, but for life. Today’s actions reflect that commitment—expanding instruction in personal finance and climate education and seeing career-focused education in action—so that we may continue our work to equip students with the real-world knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a complex, ever-changing world.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa added, “In New York State, we are reimagining what it means to earn a high school diploma by setting our sights high and expanding the scope of college, career, and civic readiness. These transformations are already taking shape, as we’ve seen firsthand through the powerful, project-based work of our students who are building clear pathways to the workforce. With today’s discussion of personal finance and climate education for grades K–12, we are taking an important step toward realizing our Portrait of a Graduate—one who is a global citizen, academically prepared, and future focused.”

To implement these requirements effectively, advisory committees made up of stakeholders with expertise in both subjects helped identify key topics for instruction. For personal finance education, topics will include budgeting and money management; credit and debt management; earning income; risk management; saving; and investing. Climate education will cover causes of climate change; impacts of climate change; and solutions for climate change.

School districts will have flexibility in how they provide this instruction. Climate education can be taught within existing subject areas or as its own course. Personal finance can also be embedded into current subjects or offered as a separate course or part of Career and Technical Education programming.

The new rules will be phased in over several years to allow time for planning. Personal finance lessons will begin for grades 5-12 starting with the 2026–27 school year and expand to grades K-4 by 2027-28. Climate education requirements start with grades 5-12 in 2027–28 before including grades K-4 by 2028-29.

During this week’s Board meeting, an expo was held featuring BOCES programs from across New York State. Students demonstrated projects highlighting innovation while educators discussed how project-based learning is preparing students for changes in the workforce.