Jackson, MS — April 7, 2026 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is proud to celebrate April as Financial Literacy Month across the state, following an official proclamation by Governor Tate Reeves. This statewide recognition underscores Mississippi’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions and build a stronger economic future.
As part of the celebration, MCEE will host two of its premier student competitions this week at Mississippi Public Broadcasting:
- Mississippi Personal Finance Challenge – Tuesday, April 7
- Mississippi Economics Challenge – Wednesday, April 8
Each day, more than 80 students from across Mississippi will compete in rigorous, real-world academic challenges designed to test their understanding of personal finance and economic principles. Students will showcase their skills through written assessments, case studies, and quiz bowl-style competitions, all while competing for college scholarships. These competitions are made possible by various investors with the title sponsor being Wells Fargo of the Personal Finance Challenge and Blue Cross and Blue Shield serving as the Gold Level investor of the Economics Challenge.
“These competitions represent the very best of what happens when students are given access to high-quality economic and personal finance education,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of MCEE. “We are not just teaching content—we are building future decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and financially capable citizens.”
In addition to student scholarships, the Mississippi College and Career Savings Program will award $8,000 in scholarships to teachers who participated in the challenges with their students during the 2025–2026 school year. This investment highlights the critical role educators play in advancing financial literacy statewide.
MCEE invites members of the media, community leaders, and stakeholders to attend the competitions at Mississippi Public Broadcasting to witness firsthand the impact of financial education in action. These events provide a unique opportunity to see students apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios while competing at the highest level.
“Financial literacy is a cornerstone of economic opportunity,” Swartzfager added. “By celebrating this month and showcasing these students, we are reinforcing Mississippi’s commitment to preparing the next generation for lifelong success.”
For more information about MCEE programs or to support financial literacy initiatives in Mississippi, visit www.mscee.org.
About Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE)
MCEE is dedicated to increasing economic and financial literacy in Mississippi by providing resources and training to K-12 educators, empowering students to create a more prosperous future for themselves and Mississippi. Our purpose is to enhance the quality of instruction in economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance to Mississippi’s K-12 students in ways that are academically sound and nonpartisan. We train educators to be proficient in teaching students a demonstrated understanding of economic and financial literacy in order to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.
