In a move to reinforce financial literacy among Oregonians, State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner has announced the recipients of the 2025 Oregon Financial Empowerment Award. This initiative, lined up with Financial Literacy Month, spotlights individuals and organizations making strides to educate the public on financial matters for the fourth consecutive year, as reported by the Oregon State Treasury.
This year's honorees include Bekki Tucker of Caldera High School in Bend, who snagged the Financial Empowerment Educator of the Year award. As recognized by the Oregon State Treasury's announcement, Tucker has played a pivotal role in crafting personal finance curricula and has been influential in setting up statewide guidelines for Oregon's imminent personal finance graduation requirement. In a statement obtained by the Oregon State Treasury, Tucker emphasized, "Financial education will change your trajectory in life. This is important for all kids and not just for kids who may be struggling."
Another accolade went to the nonprofit UPLIFT Leadership based in Portland, crowned the Financial Empowerment Community Champion. The organization has been lauded for its dedication to providing teens with career and budgeting skills, preparing them to grapple with job market realities and manage their future finances sensibly. "Financial literacy is critical for career readiness and college access," Kyle Kavas, the founder and president of UPLIFT Leadership, told the Oregon State Treasury.
These recognitions arrive amid a backdrop of concerning financial literacy trends in Oregon. A recent report revealed a dip in financial confidence among residents. Aligning with this finding, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has acknowledged economic stability as a significant social determinant of health. This nexus between financial security and well-being reinforces the importance of the work by the awardees, according to the Oregon State Treasury.
Nominations for next year's awards will open in November, with the anticipation of continued support toward enhancing financial literacy in Oregon. Treasurer Steiner, who stands as the chief financial officer of the state, maintains oversight of several Treasury programs aimed at safeguarding the fiscal health not only of Oregon's literal coffers but also its residents’—from the Unclaimed Property Program to OregonSaves and the Oregon ABLE Savings Plan, as per the Oregon State Treasury.
