What is an elective or extracurricular activity that you think should be a required class, and why? by Michelle

What is an elective or extracurricular activity that you think should be a required class, and why? by Michelle - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

Education is supposed to prepare students for life, but there’s one major gap schools keep overlooking—how to handle money. We spend years studying math, science, and history, but when it comes to managing a budget, understanding credit, or avoiding debt, most students graduate clueless. Financial literacy should be a required class in every school because it teaches skills people actually need to survive in the real world.

Right now, too many young adults step into the real world without knowing how loans work, what a credit score means, or how to file taxes. The result? A generation struggling with student debt, bad financial decisions, and constant stress over money. It’s not that these skills are hard to learn, but without proper education, most people pick them up the hard way—through mistakes. Schools should teach financial literacy so students don’t have to learn these lessons through trial and error.

Unlike algebra, which people might never use again after graduation, financial literacy is something everyone needs. Knowing how to make a budget, manage debt, invest wisely, and plan for retirement could change a person’s life. If students learn these skills early, they’ll avoid common money traps and make smarter financial decisions.

This isn’t just about helping individuals—it benefits society as a whole. People who understand money are less likely to fall into debt or struggle financially. A financially educated population means fewer people relying on government aid, fewer bankruptcies, and a stronger economy overall. The more people know about managing their money, the better off everyone will be.

Some argue that financial skills should be taught at home, but not everyone gets that opportunity. Parents might not have the knowledge or resources to teach their kids about money, and online information isn’t always reliable. A structured financial literacy class in schools would ensure every student gets the same, accurate, and practical education on how to handle their finances.

At the end of the day, financial literacy isn’t just another elective—it’s a necessity. Schools focus on preparing students for their careers, but what’s the point of earning money if you don’t know how to manage it? Making financial literacy a required class would give students the tools to build stable, successful futures. It’s time schools stop ignoring this gap and start prioritizing a subject that truly matters.