TOWSON, Md. – The Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy, which counts the Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association, Maryland Credit Union Foundation and several credit unions among its members, is pushing to have personal financial education as a course requirement for high school graduation. "Financially literate students most likely will become financially independent adults," said Dr. Allen Cox, MCFL managing director. "We cannot take for granted that parents are teaching their children the financial knowledge and skills the students need to succeed. The high school curriculum must include a required course in financial literacy." The Coalition represents both public and private groups concerned about the lack of financial literacy among the citizens of Maryland. Its mission is to convince every school system in the state to make financial education a graduation requirement, so that students can make wise economic decisions and avoid the kinds of financial mistakes that can ruin their lives.