October is Economic Education Month

Selena Swartzfager
Group of people standing with a man seated at a desk, possibly a signing ceremony. Official seal and flags in background.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Governor Tate Reeves Proclaims October as Economic Education Month in Mississippi


Jackson, MS – October 3, 2024 – In a significant move to enhance financial literacy and economic understanding among the youth, Governor Tate Reeves has officially declared October as Economic Education Month in Mississippi. This proclamation underscores the vital role that economic education plays in preparing K-12 students for future financial responsibility and informed citizenship.


In Mississippi, economics is a required course for high school graduation, reflecting the state’s commitment to equipping students with essential skills to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape. By emphasizing economic education, we are not only fostering critical thinking but also preparing our young people to make sound financial decisions that will benefit their families and communities.


“Understanding economics is crucial for the personal and professional success of our students,” said Governor Reeves. “As we celebrate Economic Education Month, let us reaffirm our dedication to providing our young people with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s economy.”


The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) plays a pivotal role in this effort, offering resources, training, and support to educators across the state. Their initiatives aim to make economic concepts accessible and engaging, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn about personal finance, entrepreneurship, and the principles of economics.


“At the Mississippi Council on Economic Education, we believe that learning economics should be both accessible for teachers and engaging for students. Our mission is to provide K-12 grade educators with the tools they need to teach these important concepts, while also creating fun, interactive experiences that spark students’ curiosity and interest in the economy.” — Selena Swartzfager, President, MS Council on Economic Education. “Economics at its most basic is decision making. All of us live economics every day and if we are educated on good decision making skills, with an understanding that wants are unlimited but resources are limited, we will be better citizens,” states Swartzfager.


For more information on economic education resources and programs in Mississippi, please visit the Mississippi Council on Economic Education’s website at www.mscee.org.


About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education


The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving economic literacy among K-12 students through innovative educational programs and resources. MCEE partners with schools, educators, and communities to promote understanding of economic concepts and empower students to make informed financial decisions.


Contact: Mississippi Council on Economic Education

Phone: (601) 974-1325

Email: mscee@millsaps.edu

Website: www.mscee.org


Mississippi Governor's proclamation for Economic Education Month, with seal and signature.
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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BlackRock and Mississippi Council on Economic Education poster on partnership to build investing skills, with charts and icons
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