Two teams from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) are competing today in the state finals of the Kentucky Personal Finance Challenge, hosted by Northern Kentucky University (NKU).
Students from Southern High School and duPont Manual High School are among just six teams statewide to qualify for the competition out of more than 1,300 participants.
Turning financial knowledge into real-world skills
At Southern High School, students say the competition and general personal finance instruction have helped them see how classroom lessons apply to real life.
“We have a chance to see how our skills could help out a family,” said junior James Payne. “I’m very excited and very confident. It’s a personal responsibility and a personal challenge.”
The challenge began with a fast-paced qualifying test—30 questions in 30 minutes—covering key financial concepts. The top-scoring teams were invited to the state finals, given a case study based on a realistic family scenario, and must create a financial plan addressing goals like budgeting, saving, and future expenses.
“They’re acting as financial advisors,” said JoLee Borne, academic and education engagement coordinator in the Haile College of Business at NKU. “This is real-life information and situations that professionals see every day.”
Building lifelong financial habits
Southern High School teacher Ashley Blount says financial literacy is one of the most important skills students can develop.
“Financial literacy impacts everything, from buying a car to saving for retirement,” Blount said. “Understanding the importance of saving and planning for the future is something students can use right away.”
Blount, whose students are competing in the challenge for the first time, said she’s proud of their dedication and preparation.
“They’ve put in the hard work,” she said. “Now it’s about using what they’ve learned and doing their best.”
Students say the experience goes beyond academics, helping them build confidence and teamwork skills.
“We were all ecstatic when we found out we qualified,” said Southern junior Regen Dulal. “It’s a great opportunity, and we’re excited to compete.”
Dulal said learning about personal finance has already changed his perspective.
“I remember having my first job and wasting my money,” he said. “Now I understand how to manage it and plan for the future.”
duPont Manual also represents JCPS
Students from duPont Manual High School are also competing in the state finals, marking the second time Manual has participated. Last year’s team were named runners up.
Manual teacher Allison Cecil said personal finance skills will serve students well throughout life, and seeing students compete at this level is “really rewarding.”
“I really like this experience because it gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in a real way,” said Cecil. “They wanted a challenge and the opportunity to represent our school, and they’ve definitely put in the work to get here.”
The Kentucky Personal Finance Challenge State Finals will take place on April 24 at NKU, where students will present their financial plans to a panel of judges.
Manual senior Adarsh Kannapan said he’s both excited and focused heading into the competition.
“I’m very excited and honored to be part of the state-level competition,” he said. “I’m also pretty nervous, but with my teammates I’m confident that we’ll do well.”