WWU’s Center for Economic and Financial Education to Host 2025 Washington Economics Symposium on July 29

BELLINGHAM, WA – Western Washington University will host a panel of economic and financial literacy speakers as part of the 2025 Washington Economics Symposium on Tuesday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Washington. 

Speaker sessions will cover topics that include Washington’s cross-border economic future, policy updates on the state revenue and budget, financial tools for the digital economy, and active-learning lessons for teachers; teachers can earn clock hours for attendance.

“Financial and economic education has never been more important. Economic uncertainty, growing complexity of financial products, and increasing household debt underlies the need for the knowledge and skills that promote financial stability. The Washington Economics Symposium brings together educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to tackle pressing economic issues and attend workshops with hands-on instructional resources to advance economic and financial literacy in Washington," said WWU Associate Professor of Economics Adam Wright, co-organizer of the symposium.

This year’s speakers include US-Canada policy expert Chris Sands, Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, Washington State Chief Economist Dave Reich, President and Co-Founder of Next Gen Personal Finance Jessica Endlich, and more.

There are two speaker tracks, outlined below. Registration also includes breakfast, lunch, and a networking reception.

1. The K-12 educator track features educational sessions with 4.5 STEM / 2 general clock hours and classroom-ready lessons that include navigating the gig economy, tools for teaching cryptocurrency, and the economics of sports gambling.

2. The business/government leaders track features a diverse panel of speakers with insights into Washington’s economy, budget issues, education policy, international trade, and much more.

Hosted by Western Washington University, the Washington Council for Economic and Financial Education, and the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, this one-day event will explore the impact of economics and personal finance education on Washington's economy.

Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: University of Washington, Dempsey Hall, Anthony's Forum, 4273 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195

Registration Cost: $25-75 Registration Link: https://2025washingtoneconomicssymposium.splashthat.com/