In the News
Metro Area High School Students Learn to Start Businesses and Build Careers from Experts
Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Metro area high school students learn to start businesses and build careers from experts
Roslyn Anderson, WLBT Channel 3 News
September 24, 2025

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - High school students are not waiting to learn what it takes to be successful in the workforce or in operating a business.

On Wednesday, the United Way of the Capital Area offered hundreds of students a chance to learn from experts about what it really takes to make it in the real world.

“They don’t teach this information. A lot of people hold it. They don’t give you this information,” Brian Washington told high school students in his workshop on operating your own business.

The Jackson developer shared details on being a company owner with metro area juniors and seniors during the 2025 Entrepreneurship and Employability Skills Symposium.

Students from Hinds and Madison Counties learned from both business owners and educators about starting careers of their own and finding jobs.

“It’s so much networking opportunities,” said Christopher Steverson.

The 18-year-old Callaway High School senior attended Washington’s session and learned about establishing credit.

“I met a guy named Mr. Washington. He’s teaching me about real estate and stuff like that - something that I’m also interested in,” Steverson said. “He told me that if I wanted to, once I graduate, I can text him and he’ll help me.”

Workshops gave students insight into work ethics, managing finances, and establishing credit.

Kymora Dorsey, another Callaway High School senior, also attended the workshops. She wants to become a paralegal before going to law school.

“A lot of people don’t really know what it’s like outside of school and this is a great way to explain what it’s going to be like - give them tips and such so they actually have a better step for whatever they want to do in the future,” Dorsey said.

“So many students are in what we call a ‘gig economy.’ They work for themselves,” said Tiffany Anderson, United Way of the Capital Area Economic Mobility Coordinator. “This is just an opportunity for us to share and we also want to teach them about what it takes to be an employee, build your resume, having interviewing skills.”

200 Jackson metro area students now have the skills to help them build their careers.

In the News
High school students sharpen their business skills to prep for careers
Monday, September 29, 2025

High school students sharpen their business skills to prep for careers
Simeon Gates, Mississippi Today
September 29, 2025

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.