Mississippi Council on Economic Education to Host Free Financial Literacy Rock N’ Roll Concert for high school students

Selena Swartzfager

Mississippi Council on Economic Education to Host Free Financial Literacy Rock N’ Roll Concert for high school students

Jackson, MS – August 26, 2024 – Weaving a high-energy, live rock performance with lessons in finance, the band Gooding returns to Mississippi October 28, 2024 to share with students how financial literacy and confidence can help them make their dreams come true.


The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) — a nonprofit in Mississippi that aims to advance K-12 education in economic and personal finance literacy across the state — along with Cadence Bank and Tougaloo College are making this event possible.


Selena Swartzfager, president of the MCEE, says the band’s music and message is positive for young people. “I was initially doubtful that a rock n’ roll concert would be a good setting for a lesson on personal finance. Then, I saw Gooding in action when they performed for Jackson Public School students at the Jackson Convention Complex last year. Once the music was over the teaching began, you could have heard a pin drop in that room. The students were so attentive and the message from a cool rock star hits different than the one from a teacher or banker. This concert isn’t the whole personal finance education message but an incredibly exciting part of the pie,” said Selena Swartzfager.


After the concert, lead singer and guitarist Steven Gooding talks to students about the importance of saving, how compound interest works, why to stay away from payday lenders and how making wise financial decisions can help a person fulfill one’s dreams.


“Some people think rock and roll and financial literacy don’t have much to do with each other, but they actually do,” Gooding said. “It wasn’t until I saw what we do as a business that it began allowing us the freedom to do what we wanted. We’re on our own music label now, so we play what we want to play and tour how we want to tour. We wouldn’t be able to do it if we weren’t investing in ourselves.”


Gooding’s music has been featured in “CSI,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Daily Show,” “Iron Man 2,” “Walk the Line” and “Suicide Squad.” Inspired by their work with Quincy Jones as part of Operation HOPE, they helped create Funding the Future, a nonprofit organization that teaches children the importance of financial literacy.


Concert Highlights:

  • Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
  • Time: 10 am – 11:30 am
  • Location: Tougaloo College, Jackson, MS, Gymnasium
  • Cost: Free to attend but registration required as space is limited. 


Educators interested bringing high school students can register using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/MSEconEd/gooding-concert.


About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE): The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is committed to providing Mississippi educators with the resources and training necessary to effectively teach economics and personal finance. MCEE’s mission is to ensure that all Mississippi students graduate with a strong foundation in economic and personal finance literacy, equipping them for success in life.


Contact: Mississippi Council on Economic Education
Phone: (601) 974-1325
Email: mscee@millsaps.edu
Website:
www.mscee.org

Studio headshot of a man in glasses and a light blue blazer on a gray background
By Selena Swartzfager August 13, 2026
Jackson, MS — August 13, 2026 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce Daniel Elliott, Market President for Huntington Bank in Jackson, Mississippi, as Chairman of its Board of Directors .  Elliott brings more than 28 years of banking, business leadership, and community service experience to the role. As Market President for Huntington Bank, he provides leadership and strategic oversight for branch and lending teams serving Rankin, Hinds, Scott, Simpson, and Warren counties . “Daniel understands firsthand the critical role that financial and economic education plays in building stronger families, communities, and a more competitive Mississippi,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education . “His leadership, banking expertise, and deep commitment to our state make him an exceptional choice to lead our Board. As demand for economic and financial education continues to grow across Mississippi, Daniel’s vision will help MSCEE expand our reach and prepare even more teachers and students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and build successful futures.” Daniel has held a variety of leadership and commercial banking positions throughout his career. He earned an MBA from Mississippi College and a BBA from Belhaven University . He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School . A dedicated community leader, Elliott has been an active member of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education Board of Directors and previously served as President-Elect. He also serves on the boards of Operation Shoestring, Merit Health Rankin, and Friends of Mississippi State Hospital . His previous community leadership includes service with the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce, Shannon’s Home of Hope, and The Little Light House of Central Mississippi . Elliott is a member of the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2022 , a graduate of Leadership Rankin , and a past recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 recognition. “I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education,” Elliott said. “Financial and economic education gives young people the tools to make better decisions throughout their lives. MSCEE has a tremendous record of equipping Mississippi educators with the resources and training they need to bring these essential concepts into the classroom. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, educators, and partners across the state to build on that success and expand the organization’s impact.” Elliott assumes the chairmanship at an important time for economic and financial education in Mississippi. As schools prepare for expanded financial literacy requirements in 2027 as directed by the Mississippi Legislature, MSCEE continues to provide educators with high-quality professional development, classroom resources, and student programming designed to build financial capability, economic understanding, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. For close to 25 years, the Mississippi Council on Economic Education has worked to ensure Mississippi teachers and students have access to meaningful, real-world economic and financial education. Through partnerships with educators, businesses, universities, foundations, and community organizations, MSCEE reaches teachers and students across the state with programs designed to prepare young Mississippians for success in school, work, and life. Daniel and his wife, Katie , live in Rankin County and are the proud parents of two children. About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MSCEE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing economic and financial literacy throughout Mississippi. MSCEE provides professional development, curriculum resources, and innovative educational programs that equip K–12 educators to teach economics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and college and career readiness. By investing in teachers, MSCEE helps prepare Mississippi students to make informed financial decisions, understand the economy, and successfully navigate their futures. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 info@mscee.org
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