Treasury Recognizes Leaders In Financial Empowerment

High School Educator, Bekki Tucker, and UPLIFT Leadership honored for their dedication to boosting financial wellness statewide

Press Release - April 30, 2025 - State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner today announced the 2025 Oregon Financial Empowerment Award recipients, recognizing outstanding efforts to boost financial literacy across the state. This annual recognition, now in its fourth year, coincides with Financial Literacy Month.

Treasurer Steiner emphasized the vital link between financial know-how and overall wellbeing, stating, "For the past four years, we have proudly recognized the individuals and organizations dedicated to strengthening our communities through financial education. Because of the continued passion and expertise of our Financial Empowerment Award honorees, we can see firsthand how investing in financial knowledge pays dividends for all Oregonians."

The 2025 awardees are:

Financial Empowerment Educator of the Year: Bekki Tucker, Caldera High School (Bend). Tucker is lauded for her work in developing personal finance curricula for the Bend-La Pine School District and for contributing to statewide guidelines for the new personal finance graduation requirement. She will receive $1,500, and Caldera High School will receive $500. Additionally, $500 in Oregon College Savings Plan scholarships will be awarded to students selected by the school. Tucker highlighted the universal importance of financial education, noting,

"Financial education will change your trajectory in life. This is important for all kids and not just for kids who may be struggling. Everyone needs to understand how financial decisions impact them now and for the rest of their lives.”

Financial Empowerment Community Champion: UPLIFT Leadership (Portland). This nonprofit empowers teens with career exploration, employment skills, and budgeting knowledge, helping them assess job market realities and manage future finances. UPLIFT Leadership will receive $2,000 and has designated the Oregon TRIO Association to receive an additional $500 as part of the award's "Pay It Forward" initiative. Kyle Kavas, founder and president, stated,

"Financial literacy is critical for career readiness and college access. We must support Oregon youth so they can successfully enter the workforce, support economic development, and achieve financial prosperity."

Nominations came from across the state and the winners were selected by a subcommittee of the Financial Empowerment Advisory Team, a public-private partnership that helps to amplify financial literacy and financial inclusion efforts statewide.

This recognition comes at a crucial time as Oregon prepares to implement a new personal finance course requirement for high school graduation, starting with the class of 2027 (or 2028 with a one-year delay). Treasurer Steiner, a former state legislator, championed this initiative.

Principal Chris Boyd of Caldera High School underscored the importance of financial literacy, sharing that a student survey revealed a strong desire for more real-world financial knowledge. "We want to protect them because when they don’t know how to navigate the personal finance world, we can anticipate that the finance world might take advantage of them."

Recent data from Oregon State Treasury’s Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard indicates a concerning downward trend in financial confidence and literacy across the state, highlighting the critical role of the awardees' work. Supportive findings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have recognized economic stability as a key social determinant of health, shining a light on the impact that financial security can have on general health and well-being.

Nominations for the 2026 Financial Empowerment Awards will open in November.

As Oregon’s chief financial officer, Treasurer Steiner oversees various programs within the Oregon State Treasury dedicated to safeguarding the state's and its residents' financial wellbeing, including the Oregon Unclaimed Property Program and state-administered savings programs: OregonSaves, the Oregon College Savings Plan, and the Oregon ABLE Savings Plan.

https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OST/Posts/Post/Treasury-Recognizes-Leaders-in-Financial-Empowerment-for-Fourth-Year

The Career Summit is a four-day playshop for young people who want to explore careers-industries and build job readiness skills. This event centers on teens and recent graduates—ages 16 to 26—who want to learn, grow and explore their professional potential.

To register, please visit:

www.upliftleadership.org/career-summit

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Students Sign Up for Career-Ready Summer Camp

Portland, Ore. — May 20, 2025 — A transformative summer camp experience aimed at Oregon youth and young professionals combines career readiness education with hands-on workshops, interactive games, and experiential learning. 

The Career Summit is designed to help young people become more employable and entrepreneurial — preparing them for the workforce and economic advancement.

This unique camp blends practical job skill-building with fun activities to help students grow personally and professionally. From resume writing and interview prep to leadership simulations and team challenges, campers will gain the tools and confidence needed to thrive in their future careers.

“We believe learning should be dynamic, engaging, and deeply relevant,” said Kyle Kavas, President of UPLIFT Leadership. “This program offers young people the chance to explore their strengths, discover new industries and potential career paths, and build a strong foundation for the future — all in an energizing and supportive environment.”

UPLIFT Leadership welcomes young people, between 16 and 26 years old, who are looking to build career clarity, college exposure, collaboration skills, community, connections and confidence. The Career Summit is open to students and emerging professionals who want to gain self awareness, sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and take the next step in their college or career journeys. 

This event is ideal for students who are undecided or want to validate their interests.

Event Details:
Name of Camp: The Career Summit
Dates: July 24-27, 2025
Location: University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
Registration: www.upliftleadership.org/career-summit

Spaces are limited; early registration is encouraged.

For more information, contact UPLIFT Leadership at 971-266-1226 or inspire@upliftleadership.org. To register, please visit www.upliftleadership.org/career-summit.

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UPLIFT Leadership is an Oregon-based 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on career readiness education and employability skills for youth. UPLIFT serves young people—ages 16 to 26—in transition from high school to higher education to the workforce. For more information, please visit www.upliftleadership.org.

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