Mandate schools to teach an adulting 101 class.

 

The purpose of this act is to ensure that Minnesota High School students can enter the real world with the essential

knowledge/skills necessary for independent adult life. This bill would require public high schools in MN to offer an

"Adulting 101" class that teaches students communication, personal finance, basic home maintenance, Job readiness, car

maintenance, and wellness. Many students graduate without knowing how to budget, cook a basic meal, file taxes, or even

apply for a job. This act aims to bridge the gap between practical life preparation and traditional education, enabling

students to feel capable of entering adulthood. By implementing this bill, schools will better prepare students not just

for college or careers but for real life, creating responsible, independent citizens who can give back to their

communities.

 

For many years, parents, students, and teachers have expressed concerns about how schools focus too heavily on academic

theory and not enough on everyday life skills. A 2023 survey by Everfi found that 68% of high school students feel

unprepared to handle adult responsibilities, such as paying bills, understanding insurance and taxes, and managing their

finances. Many schools in Minnesota have offered classes like personal finance to improve these areas; however, they are

not consistently available across all districts. A required "Adulting 101" class would guarantee lessons statewide and

ensure all students receive preparation for adulthood. This course would also benefit Minnesota's economy in the long

run, as financially literate individuals are more likely to make informed consumer decisions and are less likely to

incur debt. Students who acquire basic skills such as cooking, budgeting, and communication will become more

self-reliant, thereby reducing their future reliance on public assistance programs and increasing their civic

engagement.

 

Adulting 101- A semester-long class covering core topics such as personal health, nutrition, financial literacy, home

maintenance, and job readiness.

Financial Literacy- Understanding saving, budgeting, credit, loans, and taxes.

Job readiness- Skills related to interviewing, time management, writing resumes, and workplace communication.

Basic Maintenance - This includes Vehicle care, household safety, laundry, and minor repairs.

MDE:Minnesota Department of Education

 

Funding will be allocated from existing MDE funds currently set aside for elective curriculum development. Additionally,

schools may also apply for grants through local businesses, community education programs, or nonprofit organizations

that specialize in youth financial education. Minnesota could also partner with trade schools, regional banks, and

workforce centers to provide resources such as hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and materials at no additional cost

to districts.

 

All public high schools in Minnesota will be required to implement this course by the start of the 2027-2028 academic

school year. Any school that fails to meet these requirements will receive a formal notice of noncompliance from the MDE

and must submit a corrective action plan within 90 days. If failure to comply continues, it may result in a temporary

withholding of elective curriculum funding until compliance is achieved.

 

This would take effect July 1st, 2027, allowing time for teacher training, curriculum development, and partnership

formation across all Minnesota school districts.