ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — As of Tuesday, the New York State Board of Regents is officially mandating coursework in personal finance and climate science in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. It’s the second phase of the plan to change high school graduation requirements.

The first phase of the NY Inspires Plan to overhaul the system took effect in July when they adopted the NYS Portrait of a Graduate. More guidance on and next steps for the new system are slated for March 2026.

New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa said the changes will expand the scope of college, career, and civic readiness. Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young, Jr. said, "Every student in New York deserves a meaningful education that prepares them not only for college and career, but fo

See Full Page