More than 50 eighth graders in Northwest Indiana will soon have the chance to learn about investing and financial markets in a unique hands-on program where classes get $3,000 to invest and try to beat the market. They’ll earn a 2% management fee for their work and the chance to win a number of prizes while competing with other students and across schools.
The Stock Market Program at Big Shoulders Fund schools in Crown Point, Michigan City, and Whiting gives students $3,000 to invest in the stock market. Students will manage their own investment portfolio throughout the school year while learning about financial markets. Classes whose portfolios grow the most will win cash prizes and whichever student has the stock that grows the most will receive an iPad or Kindle Fire.
The classes are taught by volunteer financial services professionals, who teach students about investing and saving, as well as about careers in finance. The program is modeled after the Big Shoulders Fund Stock Market Program in Chicago, which began 16 years ago and is now taught in 61 Big Shoulders Fund network schools.
