MCEE Launches FREE Financial Literacy and Leadership Programs for Students and Families Across Mississippi

Selena Swartzfager

MCEE Launches FREE Financial Literacy and Leadership Programs for Students and Families Across Mississippi

BlackRock and Mississippi Council on Economic Education banner: “Partnering to Build Investing Skills”

JACKSON, MS [May 29, 2026] - The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is expanding exciting no-cost educational opportunities for students and families in communities across Mississippi through a series of engaging financial literacy, entrepreneurship, investing, and family learning programs designed specifically to support TANF-eligible youth and families.


Through partnerships with churches, nonprofits, after-school programs, schools, and community organizations, MCEE is bringing nationally recognized student programs directly into local communities — or training local leaders to deliver the programs themselves through a flexible “train-the-trainer” model. Stipends are available for approved trainers and program facilitators.


The initiative will serve students and families in 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.


Programs available at no cost include:

  • The Stock Market Game™ (Grades 4–12) — A hands-on investment simulation where students manage a virtual $100,000 portfolio using real-time stock market data while building math, teamwork, STEM, and critical thinking skills.
  • Danny Dollar Academy (Grades 3–7) — A dynamic financial literacy and entrepreneurship program built around the culturally relevant Danny Dollar books. Students learn budgeting, saving, goal-setting, and business skills through engaging activities, and participating students receive FREE books as part of the program.
  • Invest in Girls (Grades 9–12) — An empowering financial literacy and leadership initiative helping young women build confidence in money management, investing, career readiness, and leadership while connecting with mentors from the financial industry.
  • Family Financial Fun Nights — Interactive community events where parents and children learn together through games, budgeting challenges, saving stations, and hands-on activities designed to strengthen family communication and financial confidence.


“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. Whether we bring the programs directly into a community or train local leaders to implement them, this is an incredible opportunity communities do not want to miss.”


Organizations interested in hosting programs may include:

  • Churches
  • Nonprofits
  • Boys & Girls Clubs
  • Community centers
  • After-school programs
  • Schools
  • Youth-serving organizations


Programs can be offered after school, in the evenings, on Saturdays, or through special community events to meet local needs. The initiative places a strong emphasis on serving TANF-eligible students and families in underserved and high-poverty communities throughout Mississippi.


Community organizations interested in partnering with MCEE or learning more about available programs should contact:


Selena Swartzfager
President, Mississippi Council on Economic Education
selena@mscee.org


For more information about MCEE and its programs, visit:
https://www.mscee.org


About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education
The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Mississippi students and teachers with high-quality economics, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and career readiness education through innovative classroom and community programs statewide.

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Mississippi Council on Economic Education Receives Transformational Grant from BlackRock to Expand Financial Literacy Education Across Mississippi

By Selena Swartzfager • May 12, 2026
Mississippi Council on Economic Education Receives Transformational Grant from BlackRock to Expand Financial Literacy Education Across Mississippi
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Mississippi Council on Economic Education Welcomes Julie Ingram as Community Engagement Coordinator

By Selena Swartzfager • February 3, 2026
Jackson, MS — February 3, 2026 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce that Julie Ingram has joined the organization as Community Engagement Coordinator, strengthening MCEE’s capacity to scale high-impact financial literacy and economic education initiatives across the state. In her role, Ingram leads community-based programming including the Stock Market Game, Danny Dollar Academy, Family Financial Fun Nights, and the Invest in Girls initiative. Her work focuses on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, recruiting industry volunteers, delivering afterschool educator professional development, and ensuring data-driven program outcomes. Ingram brings more than 15 years of experience in education, leadership, and curriculum development, with deep expertise in economics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and workforce-aligned instruction. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served as adjunct faculty with MCEE, co-teaching Master Teacher of Personal Finance coursework in partnership with the Atlanta and St. Louis Federal Reserve Banks. Her career includes statewide and national recognition, curriculum authorship, educator mentoring, and service on advisory councils shaping Mississippi education policy. As Community Engagement Coordinator, Ingram will travel statewide to support educators, students, and community partners—advancing MCEE’s mission to build financially capable communities in 24 of Mississippi's counties. “The addition of Julie to the MCEE team will allow us to serve more families with the Family Financial Fun Night and more students in afterschool programs with economic and financial literacy education,” said Selena Swartzfager, president of MCEE. “We have an unlimited demand for our services; we just need the resources to meet the demand. Having Julie on our staff increases our capacity to address financial illiteracy in Mississippi. We are so thankful to have her on the team.” The counties served by the MCEE Community Outreach Coordinator are below. Organizations or individuals wanting to partner with MCEE in the counties to be served are encouraged to reach out for more information by emailing MCEE at mscee@millsaps.edu . Please use Community Outreach in the subject line. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 mscee@millsaps.edu
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Jim Perry Elected FY26 Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Council on Economic Education

By Selena Swartzfager • August 13, 2025
Jackson, MS — August 13, 2025 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is delighted to announce that Jim Perry , Managing Director and Head of Structured Finance for the Municipal Products Group at Wells Fargo Securities, has been elected by the Board of Directors as Chair for the 2025–2026 term . Bringing a wealth of experience in both finance and public service, Jim Perry has overseen more than $25 billion in infrastructure financings for public and private entities nationwide. Prior to his tenure at Wells Fargo, he spearheaded the Southern Region and co-led the Public–Private Partnership team for public finance at Morgan Stanley. His previous public service includes roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director for former Governor Haley Barbour and Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Roger Wicker. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from the University of Virginia and resides in Jackson, Mississippi , with his wife, Jordan, and two children. Jim will also oversee MCEE’s premier event, the 2025 Forum on American Enterprise , taking place on Thursday, October 23, 2025 , at the Jackson Convention Complex . The annual forum is a key fundraising and engagement initiative that brings together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to expand economic and financial literacy across Mississippi. "Jim brings deep expertise, unwavering commitment, and strategic vision to our mission," said Selena Swartzfager, MCEE president. "Under his leadership, we will elevate access to economic education across our state." As Chair, Perry will guide MCEE’s efforts to enhance teacher training, develop new student programs, and secure partnerships that stretch the reach of economic literacy. His dual experience in high-stakes finance and public policy positions him to move MCEE’s mission forward effectively. About the Forum on American Enterprise The Forum on American Enterprise is MCEE’s signature annual event, designed to bring visibility and support to economic education’s crucial role. The organization held its most recent forum in October 2024, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Raphael Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The upcoming 2025 event on October 23 will build upon this momentum as a platform for collaboration, fundraising, and celebration of economic and financial education. The topic of the event will be, "Economics in Real Time: A candid look at tariffs, markets and modern economic policy." About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education MCEE is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing economic and financial literacy among K–12 students in Mississippi by equipping educators with rigorous, engaging curriculum, training, and resources. Through partnerships with educators, other non-profit organizations, businesses, and local communities, MCEE empowers students to make informed decisions as entrepreneurs, citizens, and consumers. For more information on the Forum on American Enterprise, Jim Perry’s leadership, or MCEE’s programs, please visit www.mscee.org or contact Selena Swartzfager at 601-974-1091 or swartsc@millsaps.edu. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 mscee@millsaps.edu