Student Builds Space‑Themed App to Teach Money Skills

A 17‑year‑old from Oakton High has transformed a dull topic into an engaging game. He launched MoneyQuest, an online quiz adventure that resembles a space mission, allowing players to earn points while mastering budgeting, saving, and spending skills. The app debuted on April 1 to coincide with Financial Literacy Month, a period when schools aim to spark student interest in money matters.

The Spark

The idea emerged after the teen entered a business competition and found most finance books tedious. He wanted something more thrilling, so he crafted a game featuring a “Star Wars”‑style opening and eight planets—each planet representing a key money skill. The structure mirrors the popular quiz platform Kahoot!, making it familiar and fun.

Gameplay Highlights

• Leaderboards: Race against classmates for top scores.
• Mini‑Games: Short, interactive games between questions keep momentum high.
• Curriculum Alignment: Content follows national standards set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Council for Economic Education.

By keeping everything free, he hopes every student can access it without a cost barrier.

Early Success

In its first week, the app recorded nearly 70 uses, with some users completing the entire course in a single sitting. MoneyQuest is organized as a nonprofit to maintain its free, accessible nature for anyone eager to learn about money.