Extension: Preparing for the JA Stock Market Challenge

Session Overview

This 30-minute, student self-guided activity prepares students for the JA Stock Market Challenge. Students review the big ideas about stocks and the

stock market that they must understand to participate in the JA Stock Market Challenge. Students also learn about the different roles on the team and the rules of the competition.

The JA Stock Market Challenge is a live event that is held face-to-face or virtually. High school students compete against each other in teams in a simulated stock market environment. It is a fast-paced game: it is hectic, loud, exciting, and filled with energy, just like an actual trading floor can be! Student teams are given a starting balance of liquid funds to invest in more than 25 fictitious companies before the challenge begins. During the challenge students must execute trades (buying and selling) through the on-line portal (for virtual competitions) or through an adult volunteer in the role of a floor trader (in-person competitions). Students track daily changing stock prices and will be able to see each stock’s performance. Throughout the challenge, teams receive updates on world events and industry developments that will in turn affect stock values. 

The secret to success during the challenge lies in students’ ability to collaborate with their team and their understanding of the big ideas about the stock market. At the end of the challenge, the team with the stock portfolio with the highest net

worth wins!