Since 1974
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR K-12 EDUCATORS: FALL 2025Free Enterprise Teaching Fellowship (Applications Now Open)This initiative is part of Burton D. Morgan Foundation’s 2025 Speaker Series on Free Enterprise
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Upcoming Programming
Workshop |
Date |
Location |
Registration |
| Free Market Capitalism 101: Foundations |
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University of Akron, Main Campus |
Register |
| An Economic History of Capitalism |
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University of Akron, Main Campus |
Register |
| The Rise of Nazi Germany & Lessons Learned Around Free Market Capitalism & Entrepreneurship |
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A Hybrid Event w/ Watch Party at University of Akron, Main Campus |
Register |
| Free Market Capitalism: A Panel Discussion w/ Economists |
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University of Akron, Main Campus |
Register |
| Teaching Free Market Capitalism: A Panel Discussion w/ Educators |
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University of Akron, Main Campus |
Register |
*The free enterprise sessions listed above are part of Burton D. Morgan Foundation’s 2025 Speaker Series on Free Enterprise.
About The H. Kenneth Barker Center for Economic Education
The Barker Center is a nonprofit partnership of leaders from the education and business communities dedicated to economic literacy. We prepare and support the teaching and learning of economics in grades K-16. Our goal is to educate educators so they can bring high quality, standards-based instruction to their students.
We believe every child in every school can benefit from practical economic knowledge that will influence better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. The Center and our partners contribute to the region’s economic health and vibrancy.
More about the Center
- About
- Educator Resources
- Ways to Give
Past Events
Educator Study Tours in Global Economic Education
Since our founding in 1974, the Barker Center has prioritized teacher trainings in the area of global economic education. Programing has included educator study tours, visiting scholar exchanges, research, and curriculum development. Programing has focused on the exploration of global economic systems related to the factors of production, international trade and investment, and contemporary global economic issues; namely, development towards poverty abolition.
Family Financial Fun Nights
The Barker Center was amongst the first Centers in the country to pilot and implement Family Financial Fun Nights in area elementary, middle, and secondary schools. We combine financial education with fun, participants rotate between financial fun learning stations, all aligned to Ohio's Financial Literacy Standards and financial fundamentals while earning prizes along the way.
We've partnered with a variety of area schools and financial service partners to successfully organize and implement these community financial fun events. Contact us to learn more about hosting one of these events at your school!
In the News
Dec. 14, 2021 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law historic legislation that requires all high school students to take a semester-long course specifically devoted to financial literacy. Our Executive Director, Dr. Brad Maguth, worked with lawmakers to help advocate and shape this critical legislation.
A special thank you to the Bill’s sponsors, State Senators Steven Wilson (District 7) & Rob McColley (District 1), for their efforts to advance this legislation. The new graduation requirement will start with high school freshmen entering in 2022-23. Educators are also required to complete specialized training to demonstrate competency (in earning a state financial literacy validation) in order to be eligible to teach this financial literacy course. Funding for teacher training has been provided in the legislation.
Are you interested in learning more about Senate Bill 1? In accessing high-quality standards-based resources and techniques to teach financial literacy? If so, be sure to reach out to Center staff, with over with over 45 years of offering teacher professional development opportunities and resources, to best meet your individual, school/district, or organization's needs.
2023 Teaching Financial Literacy Conference
The Center welcomed educators from across Ohio, the USA, and world to its hybrid 2023 Teaching Financial Literacy Conference in Akron, OH on July 6th & 7th! Professional educators joined industry professionals to access standards-based, high leverage practices and insights in teaching K12 economics and financial literacy. A secondary teacher from Japan that attended noted, "This conference helped me access important financial literacy resources to help move my instruction and students to the next level."
Why is financial literacy is important?
Make a gift to UA
With our easy online form you can support our efforts to promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and economic education.
Connect with us
- Zook Hall, Suite 401 (See map)
Akron, OH 44325-4210 - BarkerCenter@uakron.edu
- 330-972-7708