who we are

Over 50 years ago, the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) saw a gap between what young people needed to know about economics and what they were being taught. So we took action, establishing comprehensive programs that equip teachers with tools to get economics and personal finance into the classroom, and to help students apply in their lives what they learn in school.

Since 1949, NCEE has built a unique Network of state Councils and university-based Centers to position our organization as the definitive resource for teachers who share our conviction that practical economics must become a core component of the curriculum. We've led the charge, but there's still much more to do.

The gap is still serious. NCEE surveys show that nearly half of our young people don't understand how to save and invest for retirement, nor how to handle credit cards, don't know the difference between inflation and recession, nor how government spending affects them. If we fail to act now to improve economic literacy in this country, our children will be at risk for crippling personal debt, costly decisions at work and at home, and lack competitive skills in a fast-paced global economy.

Our mission is clear, and we know that our methods and materials are effective in implementing it. Growing interest in the economy and in financial markets, in elementary and secondary education, in international education, and in educational standards, plays to NCEE's proven expertise and strengths. No other organization is in a better position to accomplish more in economic and financial education for the future.

We are redoubling our efforts to reach America's teachers — because investing in teachers has proven to be the most effective way to get into the heads and hands of the nation's young people.