A team of Northwest Early College High School students got a lesson on the ways of Wall Street as they competed against 182 area teams in the Securities Interest and Financial Markets (SIFMA) Foundation Spring 2023 Market Game competitions.
NWECHS students Adrianna Diaz, Christian Gracia-Frias and Rafael Solis came away not only with valuable knowledge in math and finance but with the second place prize amongst local high schools.
“Our students did an incredible job of grasping the fundamentals of the game and made smart investments that set them apart from the many other teams they were competing against,” said the team sponsor, NWECHS teacher Miguel Martinez. “This experience gave them some real world skills and experience that will help them be smart with their own finances or give them a head start should they pursue careers in finance, economics or math.”
Students participating in SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game learn first-hand the value of long-term investing via an online educational program used by El Paso area 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 and during our year-long session,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “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 El Paso, TX area 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.