Be Money Smart

Through the Be Money Smart financial literacy initiative, the Department of the Auditor General is raising awareness about the current state of financial literacy across Pennsylvania and providing residents with tools they can use to help them on their journey to financial independence.

It’s never too early - or too late - to learn how to be smart with your money, and it’s one of the most important lessons a person can learn.

With the help of our partners, we are continuing to work toward creating the next generation of financially secure Pennsylvanians.

Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition

Auditor General DeFoor, with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology President Dr. Eric Darr and Members 1st Federal Credit Union Chief Relationship Officer Chad Adams, launched the 11th Annual Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition entitled, “What Does Financial Literacy Mean to Me?”

To enter, students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to submit either a short essay or poem about financial literacy. Three winners, and three honorable mentions, will be selected and announced during financial literacy month, which occurs every year in April.

First, second and third place winners, as well as the honorable mentions, will receive cash prizes from Harrisburg University:

  • First place: $2,500
  • Second place: $1,500
  • Third place: $1,000
  • Honorable mention (three will be awarded): $500/each

Also, those who choose to enroll at Harrisburg University as full-time students will receive an additional one-time $1,000 tuition scholarship.

Students can submit their entry online via: harrisburgu.edu/hufinancialliteracy by March 17, 2024.

Last year, 114 Pennsylvania students across the commonwealth submitted either a short essay or a poem describing what financial literacy meant to them. Winners were selected by a panel of judges and announced at an awards ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda during financial literacy month. Each winner received cash prizes from Harrisburg University:

  • First Place ($1,500 prize): Kaitlyn Harrington, 12th grade, Hatboro-Horsham High School, Montgomery County. Read Kaitlyn's submission.
  • Second Place ($1,000 prize): Hope Chapman, 10th grade, Biglerville High School, Adams County. Read Hope's submission.
  • Third Place ($750 prize): Carlie Corson, 11th grade, Biglerville High School, Adams County. Read Carlie's submission. 

Help promote this competition - download the official 2024 Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition flyer.

Financial Literacy Resources

To support you on your journey to financial freedom, use the resources below from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Money Smart financial education program.