Economics Arkansas Marks Economic Education Month with Governor's Proclamation, Statewide Programs
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (October 6, 2025) — Economics Arkansas is celebrating Economic Education Month this October with programs and events designed to advance financial literacy across the state, from student competitions now underway to the annual Leadership in Free Enterprise (LIFE) Awards Luncheon recognizing business leaders who exemplify economic innovation.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders formally proclaimed October as Economic Education Month in Arkansas, recognizing that economic literacy is "an essential skill for all people" and that quality economic education helps students "develop the skills necessary to make informed choices as citizens."
"Economic Education Month provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of economic literacy and the work of policymakers and community leaders to prioritize and expand access to economic education," the proclamation states.
Throughout October, Economics Arkansas is hosting multiple initiatives to support teachers and engage students. The fall Stock Market Game™ competition is currently underway with thousands of Arkansas students in grades 4-12 participating through December 5. In 2024, more than 16,000 Arkansas students took part in the program, which gives them hands-on experience with investing and market dynamics. Thanks to sponsors, including the Arkansas Securities Department and the Walton Family Foundation, participation is free for every Arkansas team.
The organization is also providing ongoing professional development workshops for educators across the state, equipping teachers with standards-based resources and innovative strategies to teach economics and personal finance effectively. Additional student competitions, including the InvestWrite essay competition, encourage students to reflect on their economic learning and develop critical thinking and communication skills.
“October gives us the opportunity to spotlight the essential work happening in classrooms across Arkansas every day,” said Kathleen Lawson, executive director of Economics Arkansas. “From hands-on student competitions to professional development for teachers to celebrating exemplary educators who are championing economic education, we’re focused on equipping Arkansans with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.”
A highlight of the month is the LIFE Awards Luncheon that was held on October 8 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock, where Economics Arkansas honored Jimmy Moses, founder and chairman of Moses Tucker Partners, and Dave Stickler, CEO of Hybar LLC and former CEO of Big River Steel. The event celebrates leaders who embody free enterprise principles and have driven economic growth across Arkansas.
Regional winners of the Stock Market Game™ will be recognized at a statewide awards ceremony in January, with cash prizes for both students and teachers.
For more information about Economic Education Month programs and educator resources, visit economicsarkansas.org.
About Economics Arkansas
Economics Arkansas is a private, nonprofit, non-partisan educational organization founded in 1962 by Dr. Arch Ford and led by Dr. Bessie B. Moore to promote economic literacy in Arkansas. Its mission is to equip PreK-12 schools with standards-based resources and professional development to teach economics, personal finance, and the free-enterprise system using practical, innovative, and inspiring methods so that Arkansas students may master an understanding of economics and personal finance and apply that knowledge for success in the free-enterprise system. To learn more, visit the organization on Facebook, Instagram, X, or online at economicsarkansas.org.
