Currently, 84 percent of students across the U.S. believe there should be financial education classes in schools. We’ve teamed up with Discover’s Pathway to Financial Success [1] program to launch a petition for just that.

People that sign the petition and share it with 5 friends are eligible for a $3,000 scholarship (woot!). And the best part – we pick a new winner every month.

This month’s winner is 18-year-old Thomas Hughes. Check out his interview below.

Why did you share this petition?

My original plan was to serve a 2 year mission for my church instead of going to college. But then I realized it was going to cost $10,000 to help rebuild a house and I wasn't able to raise the money in time. I quickly had to change my plans and I enrolled in a Sinclair College. The whole experience really made me aware that college isn't going to be cheap so I was inspired to sign the petition and share it with people to spread awareness.

What's one thing you wish you had learned about finances that you now know?

College is expensive – start saving up early because when you're unprepared for things like that, it comes up and bites you in the rear.

What will you use this scholarship toward?

I'll be going to Sinclair Community College in the fall. I've been able to receive enough scholarships to pay for my first semester so this scholarship will help pay for me to stay there for the second one.

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