California Council On Economic Education

Profile Not Current (Last updated: Jan 09, 2026 )

PROGRAMS

Personal Finance and Economics Education Professional Development for K-12 Educators

CCEE’s professional development programs empower K–12 teachers with the tools, knowledge, and resources to bring engaging, CA standards-aligned personal finance and economic education to their classrooms. Our workshops and training sessions provide educators with practical strategies, innovative teaching techniques, and classroom-ready materials to inspire student learning and success. One cornerstone of this effort is $martPath, a dynamic, interactive program designed for 1st–8th grade educators. $martPath offers easy-to-use lessons that integrate economics and personal finance concepts into existing curricula. The program helps students build essential financial skills through age-appropriate, real-world scenarios that foster critical thinking and decision-making. With $martPath, teachers are equipped to create impactful learning experiences, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in financial literacy from an early age. By investing in educator excellence, CCEE amplifies its impact, reaching thousands of students each year and creating lifelong learners ready to navigate an ever-changing economy.

Budget
$250,000
Outcomes

1. Enhanced Teacher Capacity: Educators gain confidence and expertise in teaching financial literacy and economic concepts, enabling them to deliver impactful lessons.

2. Standards-Aligned Instruction: Teachers integrate economics and personal finance into their classrooms using engaging, standards-based resources like $martPath.

3. Increased Student Engagement: Students benefit from interactive and relatable content, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of personal finance and economics.

4. Improved Financial Literacy: Students develop essential skills, such as budgeting, saving, and critical thinking, preparing them for lifelong financial success.

5. Broader Impact: Each trained educator reaches hundreds of students, exponentially increasing the program’s reach and long-term influence.

6. Equity in Education: Teachers in underserved schools are equipped to close opportunity gaps, ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to financial education.

7. Real-World Applications: Students apply concepts to practical, real-world scenarios, reinforcing their learning and decision-making skills.

8. Supportive Teacher Network: Participants join a community of like-minded educators, sharing best practices and fostering continuous professional growth.

Student Contests 4th - 12th grade

CCEE’s student contests inspire California’s youth to apply their knowledge of economics, personal finance, and investing in exciting, real-world scenarios. These engaging competitions foster critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making skills while preparing students for success in school, careers, and life. 1. National Economics Challenge (NEC): This premier competition challenges high school students to demonstrate their understanding of complex economic concepts, current events, and policy. Teams compete in rigorous quizzes and presentations, advancing to state, national, and even international levels. 2. Personal Finance Challenge (PFC): Students showcase their financial literacy skills by solving real-world financial challenges, including budgeting, saving, and investment strategies. The PFC promotes practical financial knowledge essential for lifelong success. 3. Financial Advisor’s Contest (FAC): This unique competition tasks students with designing financial plans tailored to specific client scenarios. It emphasizes research, creativity, and communication, providing students with a glimpse into careers in financial advising and planning. 4. The Stock Market Game (SMG): This interactive program allows students to explore the world of investing through a simulated stock trading experience. Teams manage virtual portfolios, learning key lessons about risk, reward, and strategy in a dynamic marketplace. Together, these contests provide students with transformative learning experiences, empowering them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges and fostering a deeper understanding of economics and personal finance.

Budget
$150,000
Outcomes

1. Improved Critical Thinking: Students develop analytical skills by solving complex, real-world economic and financial problems.

2. Enhanced Financial Literacy: Participants gain practical knowledge in budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning, empowering them to make informed decisions.

3. Real-World Applications: Students apply classroom concepts to scenarios that mirror real-life challenges, deepening their understanding and retention of economic and financial principles.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork: Students work in teams, honing their communication and cooperation skills while learning to value diverse perspectives.

5. Increased Confidence: Competing at state, national, or international levels boosts students’ self-esteem and belief in their ability to succeed academically and professionally.

6. Career Exploration: Contests like the Financial Advisor’s Contest introduce students to potential career paths in economics, finance, and business, inspiring future aspirations.

7. Academic Achievement: Participation fosters a deeper engagement in economics and personal finance subjects, enhancing overall academic performance.

8. Recognition and Awards: Students earn recognition for their achievements, motivating them to pursue excellence in future endeavors.

9. Community Impact: Students bring back valuable financial insights to their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of financial literacy and economic empowerment.

10. Lifelong Skills: Participants leave with skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning that prepare them for success in college, careers, and beyond.

CONTACT

California Council On Economic Education

10474 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 302
Los Angeles, CA 90025-6931

dgutierrez@ccee.org

Phone: 3103732483

ccee.org/