Auditor General DeFoor Launches Student Art Contest to Promote Financial Literacy

CAMP HILL, PA — Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor kicked off National Financial Planning Month on Monday by announcing a statewide art contest inviting students in grades K–12 to design the cover of his department’s first-ever Be Money $mart financial literacy activity book.

The contest is part of DeFoor’s Be Money $mart initiative, created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Alliance of YMCAs, the Pennsylvania Library Association, the CrossState Credit Union Association, and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. The initiative promotes financial education and provides free tools to help Pennsylvanians of all ages learn to manage their money wisely.

“Financial literacy is something I’ve been passionate about for decades,” DeFoor said. “Together, we must continue to raise awareness about the need for financial literacy education in Pennsylvania so that all of our kids, from kindergarteners to high school seniors, and beyond, can Be Money $mart.”

Students can download an official entry template at paauditor.gov/activitybook, and submissions are due by October 31. The winning design will be unveiled at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

Now in its fourth year, the Be Money $mart initiative has engaged students and communities through partnerships with schools, libraries, financial institutions, and youth organizations statewide. Efforts have included classroom visits, financial literacy competitions, and collaborations with universities and community colleges to promote money management skills and workforce readiness.

The initiative’s partners also support events such as Money $mart Mondays with PSECU, financial literacy panels for local organizations, and outreach through the PA Forward library program.

“National Financial Planning Month is a reminder that good money habits start early,” DeFoor said. “By making financial education accessible and engaging, we’re helping young people take control of their financial futures.”

For more details on the contest or the Be Money $mart initiative, visit paauditor.gov/take-action/be-money-smart.

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