12th Annual Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition

For the 12th year, Harrisburg University has partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General and Members 1st Federal Credit Union to host a Financial Literacy Scholarship Essay Competition. All students in grades 9–12 across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible to participate.

Students! Share your perspectives, stories, and beliefs to respond to the competition’s theme: “WHAT DOES FINANCIAL LITERACY MEAN TO ME?” Submissions should be a short essay or poem in any creative format: video, design, audio recording, or simply a document. Contest awards are as follows: First place at $2,500; second place at $1,500; third place at $1,000; and up to three honorable mentions at $500 each.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, March 17, 2025

Winners will be announced during Financial Literacy Month, during a formal presentation on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the PA Capitol Rotunda.

Photos from the 2024 Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor speaks during a the Financial Literacy award ceremony press conference.

Carlie Corson, 11th grade, Biglerville High School, Adams County, reads her third-place-winning submission.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology President Dr. Eric Darr speaks during a press conference.

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor speaks during the press conference which announced the winners of a statewide financial literacy competition.

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor speaks during the press conference which announced the winners of a statewide financial literacy competition.

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor speaks during a the Financial Literacy award ceremony press conference.

Members 1st Federal Credit Union Chief Experience Officer Mike Wilson speaks during a press conference.

11th Annual Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition