(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University’s Financial Wellness Center recently celebrated a major milestone with the successful completion of its fifth annual Financial Wellness Summer Camp, held June 3–5, 2026. The three-day camp welcomed 25 middle school students from across the metro area and marked five years of equipping young people with essential financial literacy skills.
As the Financial Wellness Center celebrates five years of impact, the program continues to advance Jackson State University’s commitment to student success, community engagement and economic empowerment.
What began as the university’s first financial literacy camp for middle school students has grown into a transformative program that has impacted approximately 125 students and their families since its inception.
“The Financial Wellness Summer Camp was inspired by my middle school son, who at the time began asking thoughtful questions about how to become rich and build wealth,” said Candias Maiden, director of the Financial Wellness Center. “That moment made me realize that middle school students are the perfect audience to begin learning about the tools of wealth because they are curious, open, and still forming habits that can shape their futures.”
Hosted through the Financial Wellness Center and supported by the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development (SFEPD) Ambassador Program, the camp provided interactive lessons on budgeting, saving, investing, entrepreneurship and generational wealth. Participants also explored career pathways, engaged with Jackson State student mentors, and experienced college life through campus activities.
Organizers also introduced a new Bank Fair, featuring representatives from BankPlus, Trustmark and Renasant Bank. Students engaged directly with banking professionals, learned about financial products and services, and received educational resources to support their financial journeys.
“The Financial Wellness Camp allows students to gain financial knowledge they would not get from other sources or might learn too late,” said Theodore R. Daniels, founder and president of the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc. “Students gain the knowledge needed to help them avoid money mistakes and develop positive financial habits that can benefit them throughout their lives.”
For many participants, the camp provides an early foundation for making informed financial decisions. Athan McFarland, a rising eighth grader at Old Town Middle School, said one of his favorite experiences was participating in the camp’s entrepreneurship activities.
“I enjoyed the Financial Literacy Camp at Jackson State,” he said. “Winning the stock market and business-building competition was my favorite part. The camp helped me learn more about managing my finances and the process of starting a business.”
The program’s long-term impact is perhaps best illustrated by former camper Layla McGee, who participated in the inaugural camp and has since enrolled at Jackson State University.
“I attended this camp during my eighth- and ninth-grade years, and it truly changed the direction of my life,” said McGee, now a sophomore majoring in business administration with a concentration in Accounting. “I honestly believe that if it weren’t for this camp, I would be on a completely different path. Being able to return and speak to current campers has been a full-circle experience.”
Parents also praised the camp’s ability to introduce financial concepts in engaging and meaningful ways.
“As a parent, it was encouraging to see my child begin thinking about money management and future goals with confidence,” said Deidra Eure. “Financial literacy is such an important life skill, and this camp introduced these concepts in a way that was engaging, age-appropriate and easy to understand.”
Through strategic partnerships, hands-on learning experiences and mentorship opportunities, the Financial Wellness Summer Camp is helping young people build the knowledge and confidence needed to make sound financial decisions and achieve long-term success.