State agencies announce financial education grant recipients

Malden among communities receiving funding to host financial education fairs

The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE), in partnership with the Division of Banks (DOB) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), announced the 2025-2026 recipients of the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant. Malden Public Schools received $3,700.

Following a competitive application process that concluded in November, the state agencies awarded grants to 92 schools — totaling $383,420.00. This funding will allow Massachusetts high schools and special education programs to host financial education fairs — known as Credit for Life Fairs — for their students. Of the 92 recipient schools, 24 received funding as Seed Applicants and will host fairs for the first time.

For the third year, participating schools that have a large population of low-to-moderate income students will receive an additional $500. Twenty-five schools received this additional funding to bring much-needed financial education to students in the state’s most vulnerable communities.

“Credit for Life Fairs empower high school students with the tools they need to succeed,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “This year, we are supporting a record number of schools, helping young adults prepare to make informed financial decisions as they approach graduation and adulthood.”

“The Division of Banks is proud to support this initiative with another round of funding,” said Commissioner of Banks Mary Gallagher. “With hands-on, high-quality lessons offered at these fairs, students can learn foundational financial management skills they can use into adulthood.”

“It is important for high school students to understand how to manage their personal finances so they can be successful in life,” said OCABR Undersecretary Layla R. D’Emilia. “Funding Credit for Life Fairs through these grants provides a fun, engaging, and productive environment for students to learn fiscal responsibility.”

Since 2015, over 65,000 Massachusetts students have attended Credit for Life Fairs. The Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant was established as an ongoing effort to strengthen access to financial literacy throughout Massachusetts. This financial education program is funded by the DOB through a settlement over alleged unlawful lending practices.