Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, joins other state agencies, financial institutions, and national organizations during the month of April to celebrate the importance of financial literacy. Promoting smart financial habits, including limiting student loan borrowing during college, continues to be a focus of the department as it works to put Missourians on a path to learn, work and prosper. The department highlights financial literacy in its Job Centers, Journey to College publications, offers presentations and offers a free financial literacy curriculum to high schools.

“Our department vision is all about empowering Missourians with the skills and education needed for success,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “Helping to educate job seekers and students about managing their finances and ways to plan for their financial future is an important part of helping Missourians find success.”

In conjunction with the Missouri Treasurer’s Office, MDHEWD also promotes use of the Missouri Financial Literacy Portal. These resources help Missourians of all ages and stages of life take control of their finances and learn skills to help them succeed.

Missouri is leading the way when it comes to financial literacy. The Nation’s Report Card on Financial Literacy found that only five states—Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia—received an A for requiring personal finance education from kindergarten through grade 12 and as a requirement for high school graduation.

The department will celebrate Financial Literacy Month by posting tips and resources on its social media channels throughout the month. Students and families can access money management and student loan resources online at https://journeytocollege.mo.gov/pay/manage-your-money/. The Treasurer’s Financial Literacy Portal can be accessed at https://treasurer.mo.gov/financial-literacy/.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.