Junior Achievement of Western PA Stands Ready to Provide Financial Literacy

Pittsburgh, PA – With the recent passage of Pennsylvania Senate Bill 843, Junior Achievement of Western PA (JA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing financial literacy resources to educators and young people across the region. Marking 83 years of commitment to financial education, JA's expertise is a testament to the recognized value it has brought to schools across western Pennsylvania. 

"Junior Achievement has long been at the forefront of financial literacy education, showcasing our commitment to equipping young people with crucial life skills,” stated Patrice Matamoros, president of JA. “The recent enactment of this bill represents a significant development, acknowledging the substantial impact of our ongoing efforts.” 

The bill, which was sponsored and authored by Chris Gephard (R-48) and signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro yesterday after approval by the General Assembly, will make it a graduation requirement for high school students to complete a personal finance course in topics such as budgeting, saving, credit management, investing, and understanding loans and interest rates, among other important lessons starting in the 2026-2027 school year. 

In response to the development, Matamoros emphasized, "We want educators across Pennsylvania to know that we are a supportive, community-connected education partner who’s going to help them implement this new financial literacy curriculum. We have years of experience and are prepared to jump into action." 

To underscore the importance of financial literacy, JA's Strategic Director of Education Toni Schlieper shared, "Financial literacy education holds profound significance that empowers students to make informed decisions and improve their financial outcomes. It involves grasping the language of money, cultivating the ability to make responsible choices, and laying the groundwork for a resilient and secure financial future." 

JA’s programs in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship are nationally developed and readily adaptable to changing state standards, assisting educators as they satisfy the new requirements. A unique aspect of JA’s delivery model utilizes volunteer engagement to pair students with real-world skills and advice, meeting standards while providing authentic experiences and an unwavering network of supporters and mentors.  

Junior Achievement of Western PA joins other Junior Achievement offices across the country already working with state officials and partners to fulfill financial literacy graduation requirements. With the support of the national organization, years of financial literacy education implementation and a village of dedicated volunteers, JA is prepared and excited to serve over 300 schools and 653,000 students in their 33-county footprint PA.  

For more information about JA programs, visit westernpa.ja.org.  

About Junior Achievement of Western PA

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. 

JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.  

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