At EVERFI, we believe that financial literacy is essential to creating a secure and equitable future. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the MassMutual Foundation on a groundbreaking initiative that addresses the financial education gap in schools across the nation and in Puerto Rico. Together, we’re empowering students with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently navigate their financial futures through the innovative FutureSmart℠ program.
Financial literacy education is more important today than ever before. With many states lacking the funding to implement dedicated financial literacy programs, too many students are missing out on the opportunity to learn essential life skills. Instead, those who make the effort to learn on their own are turning to places like TikTok or to friends, both of which often provide unqualified and unreliable advice. Without proper education, students are left to navigate complex financial decisions with little to no guidance, which can lead to long-term negative outcomes.
Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that improved financial literacy can significantly enhance financial well-being. Financially literate individuals tend to plan better, save more, and make smarter investment and retirement decisions. This gap in financial education needs to be addressed at the earliest stages of learning—that’s where FutureSmart comes in.
What Makes This Program Different?
FutureSmart is a nationwide digital middle school financial education program designed to provide students with free, comprehensive financial knowledge. It has already been deployed in more than 17,000 schools, reaching more than five million students across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The program is set to reach six million students in 2025, with an emphasis on supporting low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities.
What sets FutureSmart apart is its interactive, real-life approach to learning. By participating in hands-on exercises and simulations, students learn critical knowledge about budgeting, saving for emergencies, understanding interest rates, and making sound financial decisions. It allows students to experience financial scenarios firsthand and learn how their decisions today will impact their financial well-being long into the future.
The program was designed to meet students where they are, prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in its structure. It is available in both English and Spanish, making it more accessible to diverse communities and offers financial resources for educators and families, supporting greater involvement in the learning process.
One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the FutureSmart app, which simulates real-life financial decisions and situations. Students can make choices related to saving, paying for higher education, and opening bank accounts. As they navigate real-life challenges, they experience the consequences of their decisions in real-time, which helps to solidify their understanding of personal finance. The interactive app also allows students to share their results and achievements on social media, adding an extra layer of engagement and motivation.
A Partnership with a Purpose
At EVERFI, we’re committed to working with dedicated, forward-thinking partners like the MassMutual Foundation to address systemic challenges in education and promote long-term financial wellness from an early age. This partnership is about more than just closing the financial literacy gap, it’s about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background or zip code.
As we work alongside the MassMutual Foundation to expand the footprint and capabilities of FutureSmart, we’re optimistic about the ripple effect this program will have for individuals and communities in the future. This program is not just about teaching students the value of money, but about empowering the next generation to take charge of their financial futures, setting them on a path toward long-term success and security.
Together, EVERFI and the MassMutual Foundation are proving that when we invest in education, we invest in the future.
To learn more about why the MassMutual Foundation chose to support middle school financial education and the success of the program, read the case study here.