(Graphic: Business Wire)

Discover Financial Services announced today that it is making a five-year, $10 million investment to get financial education curriculum into public high schools across the country.

Through its new program, Pathway to Financial Success, Discover is providing grants to high schools to cover the cost of implementing a personal finance course, giving them access to a standards-based curriculum and offering teachers the training they need to deliver it.

Statistics show that a majority of Americans lack the knowledge to make good financial decisions. In a National Bureau of Economic Research study, adults scored a grade of “C” in financial literacy while high school students failed. A recent poll by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) showed that 84 percent of high school students said they needed more education on financial management topics, yet only 12 states require a personal finance course before graduation.

Personal finances aren’t being taught at home either. Experts say many parents feel more comfortable talking to their children about sex, drugs and alcohol than about money. As part of its financial education investment, Discover is launching a public service announcement called “Awkward Conversations” in February to encourage parents to have the money talk with their teens, and raise awareness of the need for financial education.

“We can help change the status quo by ensuring that the next generation gets the financial education they need to make informed decisions about money,” said David Nelms, chairman and chief executive officer of Discover. “As a parent, I know it can be difficult talking to teenagers about money, but we owe it to our children to provide them with the best opportunity for a brighter financial future. Financial education is the key to this opportunity.”

Getting financial education curriculum into schools across the country is also a goal of President Obama’s Council for Financial Capability. Discover consulted with the President’s Council while developing Pathway to Financial Success.