HARRISBURG, PA — On Friday, April 25, 2025, the 12th Annual Financial Literacy Scholarship Contest drew to a close. The event is a long-running collaboration between Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), Members 1st Federal Credit Union, and Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor.
Each year, Pennsylvania students in grades 9–12 are encouraged to submit a short essay, poem, video, or original artwork about financial literacy. The competition was launched 12 years ago by Harrisburg University to promote financial education among Pennsylvania students. This is the fourth year the Department of the Auditor General has partnered to promote it and the third year for Members 1st Federal Credit Union.
The competition’s theme is, “What Does Financial Literacy Mean to Me?” Three winners and three honorable mentions are selected and announced during Financial Literacy Month, which occurs every year in April. The competition concluded with an awards ceremony held in the Main Rotunda at the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex, where the six finalists were invited to read their submissions.
The top six finalists of this year’s competition hail from Dauphin County, Cumberland County, Philadelphia County, and Chester County. They are:
1st Place: Adaleidy Rojas – Steelton-Highspire High School
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Adaleidy submitted an essay entitled, “Origins, Motivations, and Dreams,” where she explored concepts of financial literacy through the lens of first-generation American citizenship.
2nd Place: Rory Gannon – Cedar Cliff High School
Rory Gannon submitted a “slice of life” video where she shared her experiences of working as a server and hostess while learning how to balance school, work, and life.
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3rd Place: Alexis Powell – Steelton-Highspire High School
Alexis’s submission was a poem, born from lessons learned early in life, where she resolved to turn every challenging lived experience into an advantage.
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Honorable Mention: Alyssa Garber – Milton Hershey School
Alyssa’s powerful poem, “Financial Literacy: A Lesson I Had to Learn,” fearlessly recounts harrowing childhood events that only strengthened her commitment to fiscal responsibility later in life.
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Honorable Mention: Michael Goff – Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Michael’s video, “The Story of Alex and Sammy,” spins a tale about two individuals whose financial literacy skills result in vastly different experiences in life despite earning the same amount of money.
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Honorable Mention: Aakansh Jaypuriar – Downingtown STEM Academy
Finally, Downingtown STEM Academy’s Aakansh Jaypuriar submitted an essay recounting experiences from early in life, when he lived with his family in a small apartment in India, and the strong work ethic this experience instilled in him. Aakansh was not able to attend the Awards Ceremony, but we know he was there in spirit.
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Financial Literacy and STEM: Skills for Life
“I’m so proud of our six finalists…” said Harrisburg University Interim President David Schankweiler. “…Not only for their knowledge, but for their courage. You’ve shared personal stories, perspectives, and strategies with us. You’ve shown us that financial literacy isn’t abstract — it’s deeply human and it comes from lived experiences. And you’ve reminded us that learning doesn’t end when the contest or class does. It’s a lifelong endeavor. And I think you’re off to a great start.”
He continued: “Financial literacy isn’t just about dollars and cents. “It’s about having the tools to thrive. In a world where financial decisions are woven into every part of our lives, from education to entrepreneurship, and from family planning to retirement, understanding how money works is essential. At HU, this kind of understanding is deeply connected to what we teach and value. STEM education is about curiosity, problem solving, thinking in systems, and applying know-how to real challenges in the world.”
Harrisburg University thanks Auditor General Timothy DeFoor and Members 1st Federal Credit Union for their tireless support of Harrisburg University and for making the Financial Literacy Scholarship Contest an event to remember each year.
Congratulations to all six winners! And a huge thank you to the 106 high-school students from across Pennsylvania who shared their essays, poems, videos, and artwork with us. This was one of the best turnouts for the contest since it began, and choosing just six winners from this pool of talented participants was no easy feat.
In addition to the cash prizes, each student who submitted an entry to the contest will receive a $1,000 tuition scholarship if they enroll as a full-time student at Harrisburg University. To start a conversation with HU’s Admissions Team, reach out to us today.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
