HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – A skill most of us use every day will soon be a requirement for students at Huntingdon Area High School.

Many states require high school students to take a personal finance class. For Mary Ann Buckley, a computer Literacy teacher at the school, it’s a personal mission to ensure that her students understand how to manage money. She has been advocating for this addition to the curriculum for 15 years.

“I was approached by individuals at the state level who were creating a personal finance course. The course is designed to be standalone with free materials. Anyone who has the desire to teach it and the necessary background knowledge can pick up the course and teach it,” Buckley said.

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Buckley, strongly emphasizes the importance of students taking proactive steps towards preparing for their future. According to her, students need to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve their goals and make informed decisions about their careers.

“If you ask anyone out there, whether they are high school kids, adults, senior citizens, or retired, they would all say that they wish they understood finances better, whether a little bit or a lot. It’s important to be financially literate to be a successful citizen in our country,” Buckley added.

Students who have already taken this course expressed how valuable its been for them. For instance, Lily Borger, a senior, expressed her desire to continue studying finance in college.

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“As I am heading off to college next year, I am eager to gain a better understanding of the knowledge and skills that will be essential for me to succeed in the future. After college, I will be responsible for my own learning and growth, so I want to be as prepared as possible,” Borger said.

As of now, it is an elective course, but it will become mandatory starting from the 2026 academic year.