Utah Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks, Utah Jump$tart Coalition, and the Utah State Board of Education are seeking nominations for the Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame. The recognition honors educators, administrators, and community partners who have made outstanding contributions to financial education in Utah, helping prepare students to manage money responsibly, instill strong financial habits, and build long-term financial stability.
Nominations for six award categories open today and will be accepted through May 8. The honorees—four educators, one administrator, and one community partner—will be recognized at a Utah Jump$tart Coalition induction ceremony on June 22.
Utah is widely recognized as a national leader in financial education. Utah was the first state to require a stand-alone personal finance course for high school graduation, with the Class of 2008 becoming the first in the nation to graduate under the requirement. The Financial Education Hall of Fame grew out of a 2018 statewide review of financial education and recognizes the educators and partners strengthening these efforts.
As Utah continues to lead in this area, state leaders are placing increased attention on introducing financial skills earlier. The State Board of Education is currently reviewing new K–8 Financial Literacy Concepts, reflecting growing recognition that financial habits and decision-making skills begin developing long before high school.
“Many Utah educators are already leading the way,” Executive Director of Utah Jump$tart Coalition Shauna Barfuss said. “Across the state, teachers are introducing financial concepts in elementary and middle school classrooms and finding creative ways to incorporate personal finance into existing subjects. This year’s $mart $tart Teacher Summit will place a greater focus on earlier grades, helping bring these innovative approaches to more classrooms and more students across the state.
Treasurer Oaks said the Hall of Fame provides an opportunity to recognize the educators and partners who have helped make Utah a national model for financial education.
“Research has shown that financial education significantly improves financial knowledge and behaviors, fostering a more self-sufficient population,” Treasurer Oaks said. “The Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame recognizes the educators who go above and beyond to inspire their students with knowledge they will use the rest of their lives.”
Community-Nominated Educators
- Utah Personal Finance Educator of the Year: Honoring a Utah educator who has demonstrated excellence, dedication, and innovation in teaching personal finance. This award celebrates an educator who has gone above and beyond in the classroom to empower students with practical financial skills that extend into their daily lives and positively influence their community. This educator is nominated by an administrator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring a Utah educator who has demonstrated excellence in teaching personal finance over the years. This educator has taught financial literacy for at least 10 years and is nominated by an administrator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.
- Student Empowerment Award: Honoring a Utah educator who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to empowering students to take control of their financial futures. This award celebrates educators who not only teach financial concepts but also mentor and support students in setting and achieving their financial goals, fostering a lifelong commitment to financial responsibility and success. This educator is nominated by an administrator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.
Self-Nominated Educator
- Innovative Personal Finance Curriculum Award: Honoring a Utah educator who has developed and implemented an innovative and engaging financial literacy curriculum. This award recognizes creativity in teaching methods, incorporation of real-world applications, and the ability to inspire students to become financially literate. This award is self-nominated. The winner will receive a paid trip to the National Jump$tart Conference, the National Council on Economic Education Conference, or the National Endowment for Financial Education Conference, including registration fees, airfare, hotel, and per diem. This educator will present at the following year’s $mart $tart Teacher Summit.
Community-Nominated Administrator
- Financial Education Champion Award: Honoring an administrator or school board member who has exemplified passion, excellence, and dedication in furthering personal finance resources in their district. This individual is nominated by an educator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.
Community-Nominated Community Advocate
- Community Advocate: Honoring a member of the community who has exemplified passion and dedication in furthering personal financial education in Utah. This individual is nominated by an educator, student, colleague, parent, or community member.
Learn more about the Utah Financial Education Hall of Fame and submit nominations at treasurer.utah.gov/halloffame/.
