Ohio Department of Commerce

07/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/07/2025 20:32

Ohio Department of Commerce Announces Eight Financial Literacy Education Grant Recipients

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions has selected eight organizations across the state to receive a combined total of $50,000 through its Financial Literacy Education Grant Program during the 2026 fiscal year.

Funded through the Financial Literacy Education Fund, grant awards support new and existing programs that address gaps in financial literacy education to foster long-term economic success. These initiatives align with the state's ongoing efforts to prioritize financial literacy education. In 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law a requirement for Ohio students entering the 9th grade to earn one-half credit in financial literacy as part of their graduation requirements.

"These grants are critical to helping ensure the next generation of Ohioans is equipped with the education and skills they need to understand the complexities of finances, which is vital to achieving financial security and prosperity," said Sherry Maxfield, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. "We extend our gratitude to these and the many other organizations across the state for the important work they are doing to educate and prepare Ohio's youth to lead fulfilling and successful lives, which will help to further strengthen Ohio in the years to come."

This year, the division received a record-setting 156 applications, marking a 609% increase from the 22 submitted applications last year. This stark increase highlights the growing need and demand for financial education.

The following organizations have been awarded Ohio Financial Literacy Education Grants for the 2026 Fiscal Year.

  • Toledo Zoo and Aquarium (Toledo) - $2,500
    Funds will be used to support a program that provides life skills classes for teens with disabilities, teaching money management, budgeting, and other essential skills. The program fosters inclusion and personal growth, helping participants thrive alongside their neurotypical peers.
  • Kiducation Community Center (Wellsville) - $6,150
    Funds will support financial literacy and youth entrepreneurship programs, including a youth-led farmers market and micro-business ventures. Participants gain hands-on experience by managing money and running small businesses.
  • DoverPhila Federal Credit Union (Dover) - $13,000
    Funds will support financial education workshops and tools like Banzai and Finance 101 to students, families, and educators. The program equips participants with practical money management skills to improve economic outcomes.
  • Alpaugh Family Economic Center (Cincinnati) - $6,850
    Funds will support efforts to educate students in financial decision-making through programs like the Student Enterprise Program and Stock Market Game. Program participants practice budgeting, saving, and charitable giving in real-world scenarios.
  • Columbus Urban League (Columbus) - $7,000
    Funds will be used to launch a summer financial literacy series for teens preparing to enter the workforce, focusing on budgeting, savings, and investment basics. The program uses the Journey to Wealth curriculum to empower youth and their families.
  • BBB Marketplace Education Initiative (Akron) - $2,500
    Funds will be used to educate teens on scam prevention and financial safety through the TeenSmart program. The initiative addresses critical gaps in consumer education, helping students navigate the digital world securely.
  • Breadwinners Academy (Cleveland) - $5,000
    Funds will be used to help deliver semester-long financial literacy programs to students at John F. Kennedy High School, focusing on financial planning and asset-building. Activities include account openings, field trips, and a financial literacy competition.
  • Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, Eastern Ohio, and OKI Partners (Cincinnati) - $7,000
    Funds will be used to enhance its engagement of approximately 2,400 students across a 47-county footprint with financial literacy programs, covering budgeting, saving, and credit management. The initiative combines real-world applications with digital tools to foster economic mobility.

###

About the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions
The Division of Financial Institutions is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at https://www.com.ohio.gov.

Ohio Department of Commerce published this content on July 07, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 08, 2025 at 02:33 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io