Summer break has arrived, but some lessons last well beyond the school year.
Today’s students will make their first financial decisions in a world shaped by digital banking, AI and constant connectivity. Knowing how to budget, protect your identity, spot scams and make confident decisions online is becoming essential in navigating the future.
That’s why Gen is proud to support LifeSmarts, a free educational program of the National Consumers League, that helps middle and high school students build practical skills for life in an increasingly digital world. Through classroom learning, team competitions and real-world challenges, students gain knowledge in personal finance, consumer awareness, technology and digital safety.
This year, Gen sponsored the 2026 National LifeSmarts Championship, where students from across the country came together to put those skills into practice.
Learning for the world students actually live in
The decisions young people face today are different than they were even a decade ago. From managing money and shopping online to applying for jobs and communicating with friends, the opportunities are significant – but so are the risks.
LifeSmarts students learn how to evaluate financial choices, spot scams, protect personal information and become informed consumers. The program combines education with competition, creating opportunities for students to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios.
Today, LifeSmarts reaches more than 140,000 students annually through a network of schools, educators and student teams across all 50 states.
Expanding access to opportunity
The program plays a significant role in expanding educational opportunities in underserved communities, with three-quarters of participating public schools qualifying as Title I schools in 2024.
For many students, attending the National Championship would not be possible without financial support. MoneyLion, part of the Gen family of brands, sponsored alumni lodging scholarships that helped offset travel costs for graduates returning as Alumni Volunteers. Last year, 25 alumni applied for just four lodging scholarships so that they could return as Alumni Volunteers, illustrating both their commitment to LifeSmarts and the need for expanded alumni support and access.
By helping more students and alumni attend, the program opens doors to new experiences, new connections and greater confidence in the skills that can shape their future education and career paths.
Where financial literacy meets digital safety
Financial decisions increasingly happen online. So do many of the risks. For today’s generation, financial wellness and digital wellness are increasingly connected.
Gen and LifeSmarts are working together to develop resources that help students understand both sides of the equation – how to manage their money and how to protect themselves online. These resources cover topics including budgeting, saving, digital banking and protecting personal information.
These lessons help students understand that financial wellness and digital wellness are closely connected—and that strong habits in both areas can have a lasting impact.
Investing in future-ready skills
The technology students use today will continue to evolve. The ability to make informed decisions, manage money and navigate digital life safely will remain essential.
Programs like LifeSmarts help young people build those foundations early, preparing them to navigate an increasingly digital world with greater knowledge and confidence.
At Gen, we’re committed to helping people live their digital lives safely and confidently. Supporting the students, educators and communities helping bring that work to life is one way we can help equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.
