About - Brighter Financial Futures
Brighter Financial Futures, doing business as the Pennsylvania Council on Financial Literacy, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing students for successful financial and professional futures.
We provide K–12 students with practical education in personal finance, economics, career readiness and entrepreneurship. Through engaging curriculum, real-world simulations, student competitions and teacher support, young people learn how to budget, invest, solve problems, evaluate opportunities and turn ideas into action.
Our programs have generated more than 23,000 student registrations and have supported hundreds of educators. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and educational partners, these valuable learning opportunities are offered to participating schools at no cost whenever funding is available.
Our Mission
Our mission is to equip K–12 students with the financial knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset and career-ready skills needed to elevate their standard of living, quality of life and professional success.
What We Do
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Provide practical financial-literacy and entrepreneurship curriculum.
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Offer hands-on budgeting and investing simulations.
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Operate local, regional and statewide student competitions.
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Help students develop business ideas through Dream Learn Pitch.
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Provide training, resources and personal support to educators.
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Connect schools with businesses, financial institutions, colleges and community partners.
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Advocate for strong personal-finance and economics education in Pennsylvania schools.
Our Vision
We believe every student deserves the opportunity to understand money, recognize possibilities and build a stronger future—regardless of the student’s school, community or economic circumstances.
Our goal is to be a trusted leader in K–12 financial literacy and entrepreneurship education while creating meaningful opportunities for students, educators and communities.
Leadership
Brighter Financial Futures is guided by experienced leaders from education, business, banking and public service who share a commitment to helping students succeed.
Our President and Chairman of the Board, has most graciously agreed to serve in a totally volunteer position, not even an expense report for mileage and more - making him a Pennsylvania Education and Brighter Financial Futures HERO! This allows us to provide more free programs across the entire state. We salute you, Mr. Alan W. Dakey!
Alan W. Dakey
President and Chairman of the Board
Alan serves Brighter Financial Futures as a volunteer President and Chairman. His leadership and commitment help the organization direct more of its resources toward schools, teachers and students throughout Pennsylvania.
Donna R. Gavitt, M.Ed.
Education Consultant
Donna brings extensive educational experience and helps connect Brighter Financial Futures’ programs with the needs of Pennsylvania educators and schools.
Carolyn A. Shirk
Founder and Executive Director
Carolyn leads the organization’s strategy, partnerships, program development and statewide growth. Her background in banking and financial education helps ensure that students receive practical skills they can use throughout their lives.
Tris West
Director of Education
With more than 30 years of classroom experience, Tris helps ensure that Brighter Financial Futures’ programs are clear, useful and responsive to the real-world needs of teachers and students.