2024 Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge
Author: Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Thursday, 30 Jan 2025
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Image caption: Students engaged during the 2024 Stock Market Challenge
Learning Beyond the Classroom
What made this event truly special wasn’t just the thrill of competition, but the real-world skills gained by students. The foundation was set weeks prior with Junior Achievement’s Take Stock in Your Future program, a 5-week curriculum teaching stock market fundamentals, investment strategies, and risk management. Armed with this knowledge, students were ready to tackle the high-stakes challenge, applying lessons in real time while building skills that will shape their futures.
A Day of High Stakes and High Energy
The excitement began early in the morning with Caitlin Burchill of NBC Connecticut ringing the opening bell, kickstarting an hour-long, high-stakes stock market simulation. Each “day” in the market lasted a mere 60 seconds, pushing students to make rapid decisions, adapt to shifting conditions, and work as a team to maximize their portfolios.
This challenge not only taught students how to manage profits and losses, but also tested their skills in strategy, budgeting, and communication. Zeina, Sham, and Shahd from Engineering & Science University Magnet School reflected on their success: “We all have to work together collectively and make decisions. Just staying together as a team helped us during the competition.”
Building upon lessons from Junior Achievement’s Take Stock in Your Future curriculum, the event brought classroom concepts to life, teaching students to think critically about investing, financial planning, and market trends under pressure. "I would absolutely tell any educator, drop what you're doing, take up this challenge and bring your kids to this environment," remarked John Murphy, a business teacher from Simsbury High School. "It was fantastic."
A Look at the Winners Podium
After a day filled with incredible teamwork and competition, all students showcased outstanding skills, but only two teams could take home the coveted trophies:
🏅 1st Place: Market Mavericks from Granby Memorial High School
🏅 2nd Place: Team Goats from Engineering Science University Magnet School
All teams excelled in making smart, quick financial decisions, managing their portfolios, and collaborating under high pressure, showing incredible effort and growth! The biggest win, however, came when students were asked if they would invest in the stock market in the future—an impressive 96.4% expressed interest to any degree, highlighting the lasting impact of the event.
Empowering the Future of Finance
The excitement didn’t stop when the students packed up. Later that evening, sponsors and professionals took their turn at the market in a market simulation of their own. Hosted by WTIC-AM 1080’s Brian Shactman, the sponsor event also provided an opportunity to network and celebrate the day’s impact.
None of this would have been possible without JASWNE’s sponsors:
- Presenting Sponsor: M&T Bank
- Host Sponsor: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
- Investment Sponsors: RSM, Blue Chip Sponsors, Citizens, Webster Bank
- Penny Stock Sponsor: KPMG
- Portfolio Sponsors: Marsh McLennan Agency, Centel Wealth Advisory, Johnson Brunetti Retirement & Investment Specialists, Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., Fuchs Financial, Wealthspire Advisors, FinLitFuture$
- Awards Sponsor: FML Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML)
- Student Sponsor: Ernst & Young (EY)
- Technology Sponsor: Powerstation Events
A huge thank-you also goes to the 43 volunteers from M&T Bank, RSM and Fuchs Financial who gave their time, high energy and expertise. You didn’t just help run an event-- you helped shape futures!
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Stock Market Challenge was a resounding success, providing students with financial skills that will last a lifetime. But the journey doesn’t end here- Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s mission continues to inspire and educate future leaders across Connecticut.
Want to make a difference in the next generation? Volunteer with JASWNE to empower the next generation of leaders through financial literacy and hands-on learning. Whether you're an educator, volunteer, or sponsor, your involvement can make a lasting impact. Contact us today to get started!
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