Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor will launch a new financial literacy contest for students across the state on Monday as part of Financial Planning Month. The kickoff event will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the West Shore YMCA in Camp Hill.
DeFoor will be joined by leaders from the Pennsylvania Alliance of YMCAs and the CrossState Credit Union Association to introduce the “Be Money $mart” competition, aimed at students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The event will spotlight the importance of early financial education and encourage young people to develop skills for budgeting, saving, and responsible spending.
The launch will take place during a visit to the YMCA’s Half Day Kindergarten Program, reflecting the initiative’s emphasis on reaching students at an early age. DeFoor’s office has made financial literacy a central focus, promoting programs that equip Pennsylvanians with practical tools to manage money and plan for the future.
The competition builds on the Auditor General’s broader Be Money $mart initiative, which works with schools and community organizations to expand access to financial education. Through contests and activities, students will be encouraged to explore key concepts such as goal-setting, managing allowances, understanding credit, and planning for long-term financial stability.
Joining DeFoor at Monday’s event will be Nathan Brant, CEO of the Pennsylvania Alliance of YMCAs; David Ozmore, CEO of the Harrisburg Area YMCA; Brad Simpson, CFO of the CrossState Credit Union Association; and Greg Rudder, Executive Director of the State YMCA of Pennsylvania. Their organizations are partnering to help bring the contest to communities statewide.
Source: pa.gov