I. About the Organizer of NEC
One of the Most Prestigious High School Competitions in the United States
A Global Hub for Economics and Financial Literacy Excellence
Officially Certified by CEE, a Global K–12 Financial Literacy Standards Authority
A Professional Economics Learning Platform with Global Economist Participation
A Gathering Place for the World’s Future Leaders in Economics and Finance
Council for Economic Education (CEE)
Authoritative Certification Partner of the National Economics Challenge (NEC)
The Council for Economic Education (CEE) is the official academic standards and certification partner of the National Economics Challenge (NEC). Founded more than 74 years ago, CEE is one of the most respected institutions in global economic and financial education.
CEE is a key contributor to the development of international K–12 financial literacy standards and collaborates closely with leading Wall Street institutions and global corporations, including PwC, Citi, Bloomberg, and many others.
Council for Economic Education
Educating Today. Shaping Tomorrow.
CEE is dedicated to equipping young people with the economic and financial knowledge they need for life.
Through its curricula, publications, competitions, and programs, CEE supports students and educators in:
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Building personal finance skills
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Understanding the world through an economic lens
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Recognizing how choices and trade-offs shape their lives
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Exploring careers in economics and finance
Our Mission
To provide K–12 students with the tools and knowledge in personal finance and economics that empower them to make better decisions—for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The Challenge We Face
In the United States, billions of dollars are invested each year to ensure students master reading, writing, and mathematics. Yet financial literacy is often overlooked, leaving students unprepared for real-world economic decision-making.
Many young people enter adulthood without foundational knowledge of personal finance and economics, essential skills for lifelong success.
Did You Know?
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Individuals with low financial literacy are five times more likely to be unable to cover one month of living expenses.
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Only 22.7% of high school students are guaranteed access to personal finance education.
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Nearly one-quarter of millennials spend more than they earn.
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67% of Generation Y have emergency savings covering less than three months.
Our Goals
Nationwide Access
Ensure that every student, before graduating high school, has access to at least one personal finance course and one economics course, equipping them with the knowledge to improve their financial futures and strengthen their communities.
Access for Every Student
CEE believes financial literacy should be accessible to all students, regardless of geography or school environment. Teaching economics and finance helps students envision futures they may not have known were possible—especially in underserved regions.
Building a Generation of Outstanding Educators
Educators change the world. Teachers need both confidence and expertise to teach economics and personal finance effectively. CEE provides high-quality, free resources and professional development every day to support them.
Our Approach
There is a significant gap between what people know about economics and finance and what they need to know. CEE is uniquely positioned to close this gap.
For Educators
Professional training and hundreds of free classroom resources empower teachers to integrate economics and personal finance across grade levels and subjects.
For Students
Students gain essential life skills through programs such as Invest in Girls, National Economics Challenge, and Personal Finance Challenge.
Nationwide Advocacy
CEE advocates for stronger and broader financial and economic education through biennial national surveys and initiatives such as FinEd50, targeting regions and students with the greatest need.
Our Leadership
CEE’s leadership team consists of passionate, forward-thinking individuals dedicated to advancing economic and financial literacy for the next generation.
II. The Value of the National Economics Challenge (NEC)
The National Economics Challenge provides high school students with a unique opportunity to compete against peers nationwide, bringing pride to both students and their schools.
Each year, nearly 10,000 students from across the country participate, demonstrating their mastery of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the global economy.
Building Knowledge, Confidence, and Lifelong Connections
NEC engages, motivates, and rewards students through a dynamic and memorable learning experience.
Participants compete in one of two divisions:
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Adam Smith Division – Designed for advanced students, honors students, AP/IB/A-Level economics students, and returning competitors.
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David Ricardo Division – Designed for first-time competitors who have completed no more than one economics course.
Students form school or regional teams, guided by teachers and economics professionals as coaches. Teams begin at state-level competitions, with winning teams advancing to the national rounds.
National Finals & Awards
The top four semifinalist teams earn a fully funded trip to New York City to compete in the National Finals, where they compete for cash prizes:
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1st Place: $1,000
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2nd Place: $500
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3rd Place: $250
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4th Place: $125
Empowering Students for Real Life
Many students lack the basic financial skills required for a successful life. CEE is committed to changing this reality.
By providing students with practical tools and economic frameworks, CEE helps young people:
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Make informed decisions
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Prepare for higher education and careers
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Understand the economic impact of real-world events
The true impact of CEE’s work extends beyond classrooms—creating positive ripple effects across families, communities, and future generations.
Advancing Economic and Financial Education Nationwide
Each year, CEE hosts a wide range of programs and events across the United States, including in New York City and Boston, fostering community engagement and raising awareness of financial literacy.
In addition to student-focused programs, CEE organizes fundraising galas, speaker series featuring industry leaders and renowned economists, educator conferences, and national advocacy initiatives.
Building Strong Financial Futures Through Economics
Through curricula, workshops, and national competitions, CEE teaches students how to understand the world through economics and personal finance—equipping them with lifelong skills for navigating an increasingly complex global economy.
Who We Serve
CEE serves students from all backgrounds, with a strong commitment to ensuring equitable access for students of color, young women, and those historically underserved by the financial system.