Update on Financial Literacy for Every High School Student

State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Millsboro)

Delaware has officially enacted landmark financial literacy legislation—cementing a strong, bipartisan commitment to preparing students for success in the real world. The bill, originally championed by State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Millsboro), is now law and will require all public high school students in the state to complete a minimum half-credit course in financial literacy beginning with the Class of 2026–2027.

A Quick Recap:

In our earlier Delaware Republicans Lead on Financial Literacy Education, we highlighted Rep. Hilovsky’s leadership and the bill’s overwhelming support in the House. He spoke passionately about the need to equip students with essential life skills like budgeting, taxes, credit, and retirement planning—skills too often left out of traditional curricula.

Now, with the bill signed into law and backed by strong bipartisan support, Delaware joins a growing list of states making financial literacy a graduation requirement.

What’s New: Real Implementation, Real Impact

The finalized legislation—House Substitute 1 for House Bill 203 (as amended)—lays out a clear and flexible path for schools to integrate personal finance education. Districts may incorporate the new requirement into existing Social Studies courses or offer it as a standalone elective, providing local control over how best to implement it.

Beyond the classroom, the law is expected to produce a ripple effect across Delaware households. Research shows that students who receive financial education often share that knowledge at home, leading to better family budgeting, lower debt, and smarter financial planning.

Delaware is also backing up this initiative with professional development for teachers and the support of key partners such as:

• The University of Delaware’s Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship

• Delaware State University’s Charles Schwab Financial Literacy Institute

• The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

• NextGen Personal Finance and other industry leaders in finance, insurance, and real estate

A Vision for the Future

Financial literacy education is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. And Delaware is sending a clear message: our students deserve to graduate not just academically prepared, but financially empowered.

With this legislation now in effect, Delaware Republicans have delivered on a key promise: to focus on practical, life-changing education that supports personal independence, fiscal responsibility, and long-term economic stability.