By JR Robinson

Let’s be honest: high school teaches us a lot of things, but figuring out how to balance a budget, file taxes, or build a strong credit score usually isn't on the syllabus. For generations, young adults have been tossed into the "real world" and expected to just figure it out. But here in Shelby County, we are changing the narrative.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, thousands of high school seniors will flood the Agricenter for the fourth annual Adulting 101 Showcase. Running from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, this massive event is designed to arm our youth with the exact tools they need to thrive after graduation. And let me tell you, the lineup of community heavy-hitters making this happen is nothing short of incredible.

A Powerhouse Partnership for Our Future

You don't pull off an event of this magnitude without serious teamwork. Shelby County Trustee Regina Morrison Newman—who has made financial literacy a cornerstone of her office—is once again spearheading the initiative. But she isn't doing it alone.

The Trustee's Office has teamed up with the Bank On Memphis Coalition, the West Tennessee Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). This is a brilliant cross-section of government, education, finance, and industry coming together with one single goal: setting our kids up for success.

“The Trustee’s Office is thrilled to sponsor such a comprehensive event to help set up our high school seniors for post-graduation success!” – Regina Morrison Newman, Shelby County Trustee

For MSCS, the largest school district in Tennessee serving over 106,000 students, this partnership bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce. Dr. Roderick Richmond, Superintendent of MSCS, understands exactly what is at stake:

“We are proud to partner in an initiative like Adulting 101 that equips our seniors with the real-world knowledge and confidence they need to thrive beyond graduation. This experience reflects our commitment to preparing students not just for college and careers, but for life, and we are excited to see them take this important next step.”

What to Expect: 100+ Exhibitors and Real-World Skills

So, what exactly happens at Adulting 101? It is a hands-on, interactive expo of life skills. Over 100 exhibitors will be on-site, providing our seniors with direct access to the people and programs that run our local economy. The sheer amount of resources available in one room is staggering:

• Banking & Credit: Volunteers from the Bank On Memphis Coalition (a network of 14 local financial institutions aiming to provide safe banking access to 100,000 unbanked households) will teach students how to open accounts, manage money, and build credit safely.
• Investing & Taxes: Real investment advisors will be breaking down how to grow wealth, while VITA volunteers will demystify income taxes.
• Budgeting for College: Financial Counselors from the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center will be on-site to help students navigate college expenses and personal budgets.
• Civic Duty: The Shelby County Election Commission will host a Voter’s Registration Drive, complete with a customized voting machine to let students practice casting a ballot.
• Life Essentials: My City Rides will share transportation solutions, Dress for Success will offer advice on professionalism, and Linc211 will connect students to vital community resources.

Paving Pathways to Immediate Careers

Perhaps the most exciting element of Adulting 101 is the direct access to immediate, high-paying career paths. College is a fantastic route, but it isn't the only one.

Partners like the West Tennessee Chapter of ABC will be showcasing incredible opportunities in commercial construction. Students will get to connect with builders, contractors, and unions offering paid apprenticeships and short-term credentialed training programs. Representatives from aviation, the military, and city and county government offices will also be recruiting. We are showing our youth that they don't have to leave Memphis to find a lucrative, fulfilling career—they can build one right here at home.

Investing in the Next Generation

As an added bonus, participating students will even have the chance to win one of four laptops to take with them on their next journey.

The Adulting 101 Showcase is more than just a field trip; it is a community-wide investment in our most precious asset. When we teach our young people how to avoid predatory debt, how to vote, how to dress for an interview, and how to secure a trade, we aren't just changing their individual lives—we are strengthening the entire economic foundation of Shelby County.

To Trustee Newman, MSCS, Bank On Memphis, and the West TN ABC: thank you. You are showing our seniors that Memphis believes in them, and more importantly, you are giving them the blueprint to prove it.