CAMP HILL, PA — Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor is expanding a statewide student financial-literacy art contest to select three winners this year, broadening an initiative aimed at introducing money management concepts to students and their families.
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can submit artwork through Oct. 30 to design covers for the Department of the Auditor General’s second annual Be Money $mart financial literacy activity book. Winners will be selected separately from elementary, middle and high school students, up from one statewide winner last year.
The winning designs are scheduled to be unveiled at an award ceremony in November.
The contest is part of DeFoor’s broader Be Money $mart initiative, which the department has used since 2021 to promote financial literacy and connect Pennsylvanians with free educational resources.
“Financial literacy is something I’ve been passionate about for decades, because it is about preparing our next generation for the real world,” DeFoor said. “This is the generation we will rely on to create businesses, jobs and fuel our economy for the rest of this century.”
DeFoor said students need to understand practical issues including paychecks and saving for their futures as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Last year’s contest drew nearly 215 submissions. Luzerne County student Olivia Green won the competition, and her artwork appeared on the activity book unveiled at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show and distributed to visitors.
The department is promoting this year’s contest with the State YMCA of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Library Association, CrossState Credit Union Association, Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania, PSECU and Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
The contest coincides with National Financial Planning Month in October, which focuses on financial literacy and planning.
“Helping young people build strong financial habits starts with making financial education relevant and engaging,” Christina Mihalik, senior vice president of government relations at CrossState Credit Union Association, said.
DeFoor has made financial literacy a focus during his tenure, working with schools, colleges, libraries, YMCAs, credit unions and other organizations. His office has also partnered with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and Members 1st Federal Credit Union on a statewide financial literacy competition for high school students and worked with Junior Achievement on programs for elementary students.
Other efforts have included financial-literacy panels, classroom visits and partnerships with financial institutions to provide free educational resources.
Students interested in the cover contest can download the official template and find submission information at www.paauditor.gov/covercontest.
More information about the Be Money $mart initiative is available at https://www.paauditor.gov/take-action/be-money-smart/.
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