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Abstract:
Alaska Adult Education, in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), developed state education standards specifically designed for adult learners, recognizing their distinct motivations, strengths, and needs. Financial literacy competencies are intentionally integrated into the economics strand of the Adult Education Social Studies Standards. The inclusion of financial literacy reflects Alaska’s commitment to equipping adult learners with practical knowledge and skills to make informed financial and career decisions. Grounded in cultural relevance and local contexts, the state adult education standards provide systemic support for promoting adult learners’ financial stability, workforce readiness, and community integration. The article highlights two financial literacy anchor standards, provides examples of project-based lessons, and demonstrates how locally relevant instruction can build learners’ financial resilience and agency. Feedback from faculty indicates that students value lessons that apply to their everyday lives in the local community contexts and enhance their engagement. This place-based approach can serve as a model for other states and programs.