UPLIFT Leadership of Portland, which helps Oregon teens to map their career and financial futures, was honored as the 2025 Financial Empowerment Community Champion. UPLIFT is led by Kyle Kavas (pictured)

CELEBRATING OREGON FINANCIAL EDUCATION HEROES

Across the state, unsung heroes are helping Oregonians to be better equipped to make financial choices and lead more secure lives.

Treasurer Steiner and the Financial Empowerment Advisory Team are helping to recognize their efforts and leadership, with the annual Oregon Financial Empowerment Awards.

The awards help celebrate standout educators and community champions for their efforts to help more Oregonians be prepared to navigate our complex financial system, in today’s generation and the next.

NOMINATE A FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT LEADER TODAY

Please complete and submit the form below. There is also the ability to submit supplementals materials if desired. Nominations are accepted until March 1, 2026.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Financial Educator:

This award recognizes educators and/or administrators who have gone above and beyond to make financial literacy education more widely available, more relevant, and/or more exciting to help students make smarter money decisions, now and in the future. Candidates must be a classroom teacher, educational assistant, librarian, or administrator at an accredited K-12 Oregon public, private, or charter school; school district; or Education Service District.

The honoree receives $1,500 and another $500 to their school. In addition, students at the school share $500 in scholarships from the Oregon College Savings Plan.

Previous honorees:

2022 – Ryan Ashlock, Parkrose Middle School, Portland

2023 – Amy Fifth-Lince, Liberty High School, Hillsboro

2024 – Joey Running, West Albany High School, Albany

2025 - Bekki Tucker, Caldera High School (Bend)

Financial Empowerment Community Champion:

An organization, association, business, or education enterprise that makes a positive difference when it comes to improving financial wellness and empowerment for Oregonians. The organization should be based in Oregon or have a significant presence here.

The champion organization receives $2,000, plus can “Pay It Forward” and designate another financial empowerment-focused organization or effort to receive $500.

Previous honorees:

2022 – Oregon State Credit Union, Corvallis (Pay it forward: Willamette Education Service District)

2023 – HomeSource at NeighborImpact, Redmond (Pay it forward: Latino Community Association, Central Oregon)

2024 – Oregon Business Academy, Portland (Pay it forward: Adelente Mujeres, Hillsboro)

2025 - UPLIFT Leadership, Portland (Pay it forward: Oregon TRIO Association, Astoria)

THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING OREGON CHAMPIONS

Questions about the awards or the nomination form? Please contact us at FinancialEmpowerment@ost.state.or.us.