JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is expanding free financial literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership programs for students and families across Mississippi through a new initiative aimed at serving TANF-eligible youth and households.
The nonprofit organization announced Friday that it will offer a variety of no-cost educational programs in partnership with churches, schools, nonprofits, after-school programs and community organizations throughout the state. The initiative will focus on helping students and families develop financial management, investing, entrepreneurship and career readiness skills.
The programs will be available in 25 counties, including Adams, Alcorn, Attala, Bolivar, Choctaw, DeSoto, Forrest, Grenada, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Lafayette, Lamar, Lee, Leflore, Neshoba, Tate, Tishomingo, Tunica, Walthall, Warren and Yazoo counties.
According to the organization, communities can either host the programs directly or participate in a “train-the-trainer” model that allows local leaders to facilitate instruction. Approved trainers and program facilitators may be eligible for stipends.
Among the programs being offered is The Stock Market Game, a hands-on investment simulation for students in grades 4-12. Participants manage a virtual $100,000 portfolio using real-time market data while learning about investing, mathematics, teamwork and critical thinking.
Students in grades 3-7 can participate in Danny Dollar Academy, a financial literacy and entrepreneurship program that teaches budgeting, saving, goal-setting and business skills through activities based on the Danny Dollar book series. Students enrolled in the program receive free books.
The organization is also offering Invest in Girls, a leadership and financial literacy initiative for high school students that focuses on money management, investing, career readiness and mentorship opportunities for young women.
In addition, Family Financial Fun Nights will provide interactive learning experiences where parents and children can participate together in budgeting challenges, games and activities designed to strengthen financial knowledge and communication.
“These programs are designed to make financial literacy fun, engaging and life-changing for students and families,” said Selena Swartzfager, president of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education. “We want every child — regardless of zip code or income level — to have access to the skills needed to build a strong financial future.”
Swartzfager said the initiative is intended to expand educational opportunities in underserved and high-poverty communities across the state.
Organizations eligible to host programs include churches, schools, community centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, nonprofits and other youth-serving organizations. Programs may be scheduled after school, in the evenings, on weekends or during special community events.
The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is a nonprofit organization that provides economics, entrepreneurship, personal finance and career readiness education programs for students and educators throughout Mississippi.
Organizations interested in partnering with the council or learning more about available programs can contact Swartzfager at [email protected].
