The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MSCEE) will host Invest In Girls, an inspiring one-day experience designed to help high school girls build financial confidence, explore career opportunities, connect with successful women, and leave empowered to invest in their own futures. While all teen girls from Harrison and Hancock Counties are welcome, MSCEE especially wants to reach girls from low to moderate income households.
The event will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange Grove Library, 12135 Old Highway 49 in Gulfport. The event is free and open to high school girls from Harrison and Hancock Counties, with lunch provided and no cost to participants.
“Invest In Girls is about much more than learning how to manage money,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education. “We want young women to see the possibilities available to them, meet women who can inspire them, and gain practical knowledge that gives them greater confidence in the decisions they will make about college, careers, money, and their futures.”
Throughout the day, participants will take part in interactive workshops, discussions and activities focused on financial literacy, money management, career exploration, business and entrepreneurship. Girls will also have opportunities to network with women leaders and mentors who can share their experiences and encourage participants to think boldly about their futures.
The program is built around five goals: Learn, Explore, Connect, Engage and Empower. Participants will gain practical financial skills, discover careers in finance and business, build relationships with women leaders, participate in hands-on activities, and leave inspired to take the next steps toward their goals.
As an added incentive, every high school girl who attends the full event will receive a $25 gift card, funded by MSCEE partners. Participants can also expect plenty of “pink giveaways” throughout the day.
“Financial education can be transformational when young people receive it at the right time,” Swartzfager said. “For these girls, we want this day to send a very clear message: your financial future matters, your career possibilities are wide open, and you have the ability to build the future you want.”
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. More information and registration are available through the Mississippi Council on Economic Education at mscee.org/invest-in-girls-community-program.
This event is funded by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.