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Beginning with the freshmen class of 2010, New Jersey high school students will have to take a half-year in economics and financial literacy at some point during their four years.

The new requirement adopted by the state Board of Education last month comes as the nation continues to struggle with personal bankruptcies, foreclosures and increasing unemployment.

The bill establishing a three-year pilot program was passed by the Assembly last September, and came through the senate in June; it's now on the governor's desk.

"All the stars are aligned for financial education in New Jersey," Maryanne Evanko, president of the New Jersey Coalition for Financial Education (NJCFE), told Philly.com. "We're just absolutely thrilled that this is happening."

Under the bill, the BOE commissioner will choose six school districts – two each in South, North and Central New Jersey – to take part in the pilot program, according to Philly.com.