Teams from Bugbee School – where last spring fifth-grader was a state winner and ranked in the top 10 in the Stock Market game essay contest – and Northwest Catholic High School were winners in the Fall 2023 Stock Market game, applying ‘research, critical thinking, and analytical skills to make real-world decisions.’

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The future of financial education and investment strategy shines brightly as local student teams emerge victorious in the prestigious The Stock Market Game Competition.

SIFMA Foundation is pleased to announce the student winners of the Fall 2023 Stock Market Game competition in Connecticut. 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.

Hosted by the SIFMA Foundation in collaboration with dedicated local partners, this competition has once again highlighted the importance of equipping our 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.

Elementary

• First Place: Bugbee School, West Hartford
• Second Place: Bugbee School, West Hartford

Middle School

• First Place: Timothy Edwards School, South Windsor
• Second Place: Smith Middle School, Glastonbury

High School

• First Place: Northwest Catholic High School, West Hartford
• Second Place: Northwest Catholic High School, West Hartford

The SIFMA Foundation, with its unwavering commitment to financial education, has been pivotal in introducing this enriching experience to schools across the nation. Its collaboration with local partners ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have access to this transformative learning opportunity.

Students learn first-hand the value of long-term investing via an online educational program used by Connecticut 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 Connecticut teaching standards, STEM requirements, and 21^st 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.

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