Waukon Middle School students place second in state level of The Stock Market Game (TM)
The future of financial education and investment strategy shines brightly as local student teams emerged victorious in the prestigious The Stock Market Game Competition. SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) Foundation has announced the student winners of this year’s Stock Market Game™ competition in Iowa. The top two teams with the highest portfolio value - along with their teachers and schools - were honored in the elementary, middle and high school categories.
Among those top teams was the Waukon Middle School team under the guidance of instructor Lee Stegen. That team of Waukon Middle School students finished second in the Spring 2024 competition, where Dallas Center-Grimes Oak View Middle School placed first.
Hosted by the SIFMA Foundation in collaboration with dedicated local partners, this competition has once again highlighted the importance of equipping youth with practical financial skills and knowledge. The Stock Market Game allows students to delve into the intricate world of stock trading by investing a virtual $100,000 in real-time stock markets. Through this experiential learning platform, students gain invaluable insights into economics, finance, and the dynamics of the financial markets.
Students learn first-hand the value of long-term investing via an online educational program used by Iowa teachers to boost students’ math, economics, and personal finance knowledge, while also improving their test scores and instilling essential skills for financially independent futures.
Playing individually or in teams of up to five, students use a simulation with an imaginary investment of $100,000 to trade stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Students conduct research and follow global news that can impact financial markets, then place trades in real-time via computer or the SMG smartphone app, competing with peers in their classroom and with teams across the state to increase their portfolio value. In addition, students can choose socially responsible investments by selecting companies in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“Congratulations to all the student teams that reached the top spots this semester,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “Financial literacy is more than just understanding numbers; it’s about empowering our youth to make informed decisions, plan for the future, and navigate the complexities of the global economy. It’s an honor to partner with local schools to provide resources that equip young people in our communities with the critically important skills they need to succeed in their careers and family lives. Our gratitude goes out to the educators who meet the highest standards of excellence and who have changed the lives of so many by their leadership and passion.”
The Stock Market Game curriculum, lessons, hands-on student activities, and virtual events combine content, critical thinking, research, and analytical skills in a real-world simulation. The online Teacher Support Center offers more than 1,000 lesson plans that reinforce Iowa teaching standards, STEM requirements, and 21st century skills. The lessons and professional development opportunities for teachers are designed to help students learn the fundamentals of long-term saving and investing. Students enhance their knowledge in core curriculum subjects including math, language arts, economics, and social studies, and develop life skills such as financial preparedness, teamwork, and social-emotional learning.
The benefits of participating in the Stock Market Game extend far beyond the competition itself. Students develop essential skills such as research, analysis, risk assessment, and decision-making, all while cultivating a deeper understanding of economic principles and market dynamics. Moreover, the experience fosters a sense of financial responsibility and prepares students for future endeavors in academia, career, and personal finance.
The SIFMA Foundation is committed to closing the opportunity gap by fostering greater knowledge of the financial markets for young people of all backgrounds. Drawing on the support and expertise of educators and the financial industry, the Foundation provides financial education to strengthen economic opportunity across communities and increase awareness of the benefits of the global marketplace.
Since 1977, the Foundation’s most notable program, The Stock Market Game, has guided more than 20 million students on their path to financial independence by attaining stronger life skills, improving academic achievement, and boosting their social-emotional learning. For more information on the SIFMA Foundation, visit www.sifma.org/foundation.
