Engagement in Young Finpreneurs Program and Financial Self-Efficacy as Key Drivers in the Financial Managament Skills among Senior High School Students

Abstract

Developing strong financial management skills among senior high school students in the Philippines remains a growing concern, as gaps persist: many learners understand financial concepts but struggle to apply them in real-life situations. This study examined the influence of students’ engagement in the Young Finpreneurs Program and their financial self-efficacy on financial management skills. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the study collected data from 100 senior high school students in the province of Misamis Oriental through a structured, validated survey questionnaire. The study measured engagement in simulations, seminars, and workshop, financial self-efficacy and financial management skills in terms of financial control, monitoring, planning and decision-making. Findings revealed high levels of engagement in simulations, seminars, and workshop, as well as strong financial self-efficacy and high financial management skills. Multiple regression analysis showed that both engagement in the Finpreneurs Program and financial self-efficacy significantly influenced financial management skills, with financial self-efficacy as the strongest predictor. The study recommends that students actively participate in financial education programs, entrepreneurship and confidence-building activities. Schools and educators are encouraged to provide support. Furthermore, the Department of Education may embed financial literacy as a core competency across all learning strands, not only in the Accountancy, Business and Management strand, to ensure that all students develop essential financial skills. Future researchers are encouraged to examine long-term effects through longitudinal and comparative studies to improve practices and strengthen lifelong financial responsibility.