Building Financial Literacy Across California Classrooms

Preparing California Students for Real-World Financial Success

California is moving toward requiring personal finance for all high school graduates by 2030, and Val Verde Unified School District is already taking proactive steps to prepare students. The district has integrated iCEV’s Personal Financial Literacy curriculum into its Economics and Government classes, ensuring students gain essential money management skills before graduation.

More than 600 Val Verde students have already earned industry-recognized financial literacy certifications. These credentials validate student understanding in key areas such as budgeting, credit, taxes, saving, and financial decision-making, all of which support long-term financial well-being.

Flexible Curriculum That Works Across Class Schedules

Teachers across the district credit the program’s success to the flexibility and ease of use of the iCEV platform. With ready-to-use lessons, multimedia content, and seamless integration into existing coursework, the curriculum fits naturally into classes that are already full of required standards.

“The number of different pathways that can use the iCEV platform is what makes iCEV so valuable,” said Doug Henderson, Director of STEAM and Career Pathways for Val Verde USD. “Teachers do not have to build lessons from scratch; it is comprehensive and ready to go.”

This flexibility allows educators to incorporate personal finance education without adding additional workload or restructuring existing courses.

A District-Wide Resource for Multiple Pathways

While iCEV supports financial literacy instruction, its impact within Val Verde USD extends far beyond personal finance. More than 40 teachers use the platform across various Career and Technical Education pathways, including agriculture, business, marketing, and video production.

The wide range of curriculum resources, certifications, and classroom supports helps educators reduce prep time and focus on what matters most: preparing students with the life skills and employability skills that will serve them after graduation.

Supporting California’s Move Toward Stronger Financial Education

As California districts prepare for the statewide personal finance graduation requirement, programs like the one in Val Verde USD show how iCEV can help schools build meaningful financial literacy instruction at scale. Through accessible curriculum, industry-recognized certifications, and cross-pathway versatility, iCEV is helping students develop confidence, decision-making skills, and real-world financial competence.