Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Students seated in FBC common area.
  1. Center for Economic Education at EPI

Center for Economic Education at EPI

The Center for Economic Education at EPI is a department within the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), housed in the W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. As an affiliate of the Arizona Council on Economic Education, we offer comprehensive programming in financial literacy, economic understanding, and entrepreneurship.

We engage youth, educators, and community members through interactive workshops and seminars, promoting informed decision-making and economic success. Working in partnership with schools, organizations, and state initiatives, we tailor our programs to meet regional needs. As part of EPI’s broader mission, we serve Northern Arizona and beyond by preparing individuals to navigate tomorrow’s economic challenges.

For work with tribal nations and communities: Kathleen.Frank​@nau.edu and see Center for American Indian Economic Development (CAIED).

For work with K-12 schools, Teachers, and general community connections: Danielle Bonfig

Click here to volunteer with our amazing programs!

We support educators and students in enhancing Economic Education and Financial Literacy through comprehensive programming, resources, and engagement opportunities. Our goal is to provide practical, real-world applications while fostering financial empowerment.
Our school-based offerings include:

  • Curriculum Support & Consultations: We assist educators in integrating financial literacy and economic education into their curriculum, offering guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, and best practices.
  • Resource Connections: We connect educators with a variety of high-quality financial literacy and economic education resources, including materials from the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE), Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), Federal Reserve Education, EconEdLink, Econiful, and other national and regional organizations that provide engaging, standards-aligned content.
  • Site or Classroom “Take-Overs”/Workshops & Guest Speakers: Our team can lead engaging, hands-on financial literacy and economic lessons tailored to school needs. Schools can request tailored one-day or multi-day programs designed to fit specific learning goals.
  • ACEE Competitions & Student Programs: We coordinate opportunities for students to participate in statewide and national economic and financial literacy competitions: EconReads (k-3 grade), Financial Fitness In Action (7th-12th grade)
  • Pathways to the Arizona Seal of Personal Finance: We guide educators in connecting to coursework and programs that help students meet the requirements to earn the Arizona State Seal of Personal Finance, ensuring they leave high school with essential financial skills.

We welcome teachers, administrators, and schools to reach out for collaboration and support in bringing financial literacy and economic education into their classrooms.

 

We provide engaging financial literacy and economic education programs for youth and the broader community. Through interactive workshops, structured programs, and year-round opportunities, we empower individuals with essential financial skills.

Click here to see our current events.

Youth-Focused Initiatives:

  • Pathways to the Arizona Seal of Personal Finance – For students in districts or schools participating in the Seal of Personal Finance initiative, we offer guidance, resources, and program support to help them meet the requirements and earn this official state designation. Our support includes access to aligned content, workshops, and connections to mentors and educators who can help them succeed.
  • Invest in Girls (IIG) – A program aimed at empowering young women by teaching fundamental investing concepts, financial independence, and career pathways in finance.
  • Two-Day Boot Camp – A short, intensive program where students engage in hands-on economic simulations, budgeting exercises, and financial decision-making scenarios.

These programs ensure that young individuals gain a strong foundation in financial literacy, preparing them for future economic challenges.

Community Programming & Engagement
We extend financial literacy and economic education to the broader community through accessible, engaging events, ensuring that financial empowerment is available to all.

  • Webinars & Workshops – Covering essential financial topics such as budgeting, investing, credit management, and entrepreneurship, these sessions are designed to support individuals, families, and local organizations.
  • Industry Engagement & Career Connections – We help students and community members access internships, mentorships, and career-building opportunities in financial and economic fields.
  • Arizona Seal of Personal Finance Support – We provide resources, guidance, and coursework assistance to help individuals achieve the Arizona State Seal of Personal Finance.
  • Competitions & Enrichment – We connect students and community members with statewide and national financial literacy and economic competitions, such as stock market challenges, personal finance simulations, and entrepreneurship contests.

Our goal is to increase economic awareness and empower Arizona communities with essential financial knowledge. If you are a student, educator, or community member, we invite you to reach out and get involved!

 

Passionate about economic education? Join our network of dedicated volunteers to help bring financial literacy programs to schools and communities. Opportunities include:

  • Community Outreach: Assist in organizing and facilitating financial literacy workshops and events.
  • Mentorship & Guest Speaking: Share your expertise with students and educators by leading discussions or speaking at events.
  • Program Support: Help with the logistical aspects of running our educational programs, ensuring successful engagement.

Click here to volunteer with our amazing programs!