The Jackson Convention Complex was abuzz with activity.

Upstairs, groups of teens got to learn about topics such as starting a business and working at nonprofit organizations. Downstairs, one group of students browsed tables, talking to representatives from local colleges, nonprofits, and more. One table passed out free candy-colored popcorn.

Christopher Steverson, a senior at Jackson’s Callaway High School, was among the many students in attendance.

“I love making money,” Steverson said. “Money’s always there, you just have to find a way to get it.”

Steverson, 18, runs a lawn care business with his father, and is working on his own streetwear line and has two properties from his father.

He’s one of about 200 high school students from the Jackson metro area who attended workshops and received hands-on experience on college and career readiness, financial literacy and business skills Wednesday at the Entrepreneurship and Employability Skills Symposium. 

United Way of the Capital Area and Jackson State University TRIO Talent Search partnered to put on the event. Tiffany Anderson, the United Way affiliate’s economic mobility coordinator, said young people are working in the gig economy.

“They’re doing braids. They are doing makeup. They are influencers. They’re Ubering,” Anderson said. “They’re doing all the things, so we just want to set them up for success and to do things the right way.” 

Steverson attended to network and explore his interests. He learned about improving his credit score and investing in an individual retirement account. He hoped his peers at the event learned new ways to make money.

“I feel like with money, I have the opportunity to change things that not too many people will be able to without,” Steverson said.

At lunch, students listened to a speech from Nick, Khaliq and Kareem Brown from Boss Brothers Universe, a Jackson-based company that publishes books and online videos teaching children about financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Kymora Dorsey, who attended last year, was excited to volunteer this year as a youth ambassador for United Way. Dorsey, 17, is a senior at Callaway High School.

“I realized that it was a great idea for people to understand what it means to have a business and get an understanding of financial literacy as well as the opportunity to earn $200 as a reward for their ideas,” Dorsey said.

To cap off the day, teams of students competed in a “Shark Tank”-style competition for cash prizes. Each team was coached by a local business owner. This year, two teams won, and each participant earned $250. The students could choose whether to start a bank account with the money or invest it in their business. 

United Way of the Capital Area is a nonprofit organization that works to improve local communities. Jackson State University TRIO Talent Search provides support and resources to help Jackson Public Schools students graduate from high school and college.

“I hope that they learned today, if nothing else, that you have a voice and that you can use your voice,” said Teresa Palmer-Jones, director of TRIO Talent Search.