On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference to announce progress in developing California’s stand-alone course in personal finance for high school students — a new graduation requirement starting with the class of 2030-31.

The governor announced that the State Board of Education adopted a personal finance curriculum guide implementing Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), which was signed by Newsom in 2024 and supported by California’s Credit Unions.

This personal finance course ensures students gain real-world financial skills, and it will be offered to high school students beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

In addition, Newsom issued an executive order relating to supporting women and girls through financial literacy by expanding opportunities for wealth building in California. He also explained how advancing financial literacy in high school aligns with the state’s investment in students through the college and career savings program CalKIDS.

As longtime advocates of financial literacy, California’s Credit Unions is pleased with the advancement and state investment in the financial security of students and women across California.

You can view the governor’s press release announcement here.