The New York State Board of Regents has approved new regulations that require instruction in personal finance and climate education for all public school students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This decision is part of Phase 2 of the NY Inspires Plan, which follows recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures. The first phase, completed in July 2025, introduced the NYS Portrait of a Graduate.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. stated, “As we move toward implementing new graduation measures, equity and excellence remain at the heart of our work. Every student in New York deserves a meaningful education that prepares them not only for college and career, but for life. Today’s actions reflect that commitment—expanding instruction in personal finance and climate education and seeing career-focused education in action—so that we may continue our work to equip students with the real-world knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a complex, ever-changing world.”
Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “In New York State, we are reimagining what it means to earn a high school diploma by setting our sights high and expanding the scope of college, career, and civic readiness. These transformations are already taking shape, as we’ve seen firsthand through the powerful, project-based work of our students who are building clear pathways to the workforce. With today’s discussion of personal finance and climate education for grades K–12, we are taking an important step toward realizing our Portrait of a Graduate—one who is a global citizen, academically prepared, and future focused.”
To help implement these requirements, advisory committees made up of experts in personal finance and climate education worked with the Department to identify key instructional topics suitable for different grade levels.
For personal finance education, topics will include budgeting and money management; credit and debt management; earning income; risk management; saving; and investing.
Climate education will cover causes of climate change; impacts of climate change; and solutions for climate change.
School districts will be able to decide how best to integrate these subjects into their curriculum. Climate education can be taught within existing courses or as its own class. Personal finance can also be embedded into other subjects or offered separately or as part of Career and Technical Education programs.
The new rules will be phased in over several years: Personal finance instruction will begin with grades 5-12 starting in the 2026–27 school year and extend to grades K-4 by 2027-28. Climate education will start with grades 5-12 during the 2027–28 school year before being required for grades K-4 by 2028-29.
In addition to approving these educational changes this week, the Board hosted a BOCES expo alongside its meeting where BOCES leaders and students presented examples from career technical programs including early college initiatives and work-based learning opportunities. The event highlighted student projects emphasizing innovation while educators discussed efforts to transform project-based learning so students can better prepare for changing workforce demands.
These initiatives aim to support broader goals under Phase 2 of NY Inspires Plan: redefining credits and learning experiences so graduates leave school ready for economic independence as well as environmental responsibility.
