Center for Economic & Financial Education (CEFE)
Our Mission
We believe every student deserves the tools to navigate life’s economic realities and grow into responsible citizens, informed consumers, effective workers, prudent savers, and confident decision-makers in a global economy.
At the Center for Economic and Financial Education at Western Washington University, we equip educators with the training, resources, and support they need to bring economics and personal finance to life in the classroom.
Beyond the classroom, we engage in research that helps shape state policy, guiding lawmakers as they work to expand access to high-quality financial education across Washington.
What We Do
The Center for Economic and Financial Education at Western Washington University is dedicated to advancing high-quality economics and personal finance instruction in K–12 classrooms throughout Washington state.
Our work supports educators, students, and communities by providing resources, training, and research that enhance the teaching and learning of essential economic and financial concepts.
Professional Development for Educators
We offer comprehensive in-service workshops, team/PLC meeting support, and 1:1 coaching, to equip elementary and secondary teachers with the knowledge, skills, and instructional tools needed to teach economic and financial principles confidently and effectively.
Curriculum Design and Support
In partnership with school districts, we develop and adapt curriculum materials that align with Washington State Learning Standards and meet the diverse needs of classrooms across the state.
Resource Development and Dissemination
We curate, create, and distribute a wide range of classroom-ready lessons, instructional tools, and community-based resources to support educators in delivering engaging and relevant economics education.
Applied Research and Policy Engagement
Through rigorous research and evaluation, we examine the effectiveness of economic and financial education programs and provide evidence-based recommendations that inform educational practices and policy decisions at the local and state levels.
The Center strives to prepare all students to graduate with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to become informed consumers, engaged citizens, and active participants in the global economy.
2025 Washington Economics Symposium
Hosted July 29, 2025 | University of Washington – Seattle
The 2025 Washington Economics Symposium was a resounding success—bringing together over 100 educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders for a full day of learning, collaboration, and shared commitment to improving economic and financial education in Washington State.
"Thanks for making PD WORTH it and not just a box to check!"
-High School Financial Education Teacher
Research on the Effectiveness of Course Formats on Financial Education in WA
The Center has conducted a study in collaboration with Washington teachers to compare the effectiveness of standalone personal finance courses versus embedding within other subjects.
Funded by the Washington State Legislature (ESSB 6950.SL, p.827), this study aims to identify the best methods to improve student financial literacy, engagement, and real-world financial skills.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Adam Wright, CEFE's Director, will be serving on WA's Future Ready Task Force to support Financial Education in WA's graduation requirements.
WA Stock Market Game
The Stock Market Game (SMG) lets student teams invest $100,000 in virtual cash to learn real-world financial skills. Guided by a teacher advisor, teams compete for prizes while building knowledge in investing, math, and economics. Teachers receive full support and access to classroom-ready resources.
Register Your Class
- Go to the SMG website
- Click “Register” → “View Programs in My Area”
- Enter your ZIP code and select “Washington Stock Market Game”
- Complete the “Register Now” form
The cost is $10 per team (fall/spring) or $20 for the year-long game. Learn more about SMG and scholarship support here.
Free Professional Development and Teacher Workshops
The Center for Economic and Financial Education offers funded workshops and credit courses to support K–12 teachers in economics and personal finance. These sessions equip educators with effective teaching strategies and resources aligned with state standards.
We can come to you! On-site professional development and additional services are also available based on staffing and funding.
