Sponsors, Volunteers Needed for Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge on Nov. 7

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) is seeking sponsors and volunteers for its 19th annual Stock Market Challenge on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Cedars in Springfield. The event offers student teams the chance to compete in an exciting Wall Street simulation, gaining skills and experience they can use in the future.

“It’s so much fun to see how engaged and competitive the students are,” said Amie Miarecki, president of JAWM. “This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and volunteers to help students throughout the region while having a great time themselves and inspiring the future financial leaders of tomorrow.”

During the simulation, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., approximately 350 middle- and high-school student teams are ‘given’ $1 million to invest in more than 50 fictitious stocks. With trading days lasting just 60 seconds, the goal is to build the highest portfolio net worth in a frantic 60 ‘days.’ At the end of the event, students leave with a sense of how the stock market works and valuable insight into the importance of teamwork.

During the evening, the adults get in on the fun. Dinner is held at 5:30 p.m., and when the opening bell rings at 6:30 p.m., corporate sponsors and college student teams have their own opportunity to flex their stock-trading skills.

“The adults have as much fun as the kids, making this friendly competition a great team-building opportunity for employers,” Miarecki said. “We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities starting at $250, and are inviting companies across the region to participate.”

Major sponsors currently include St. Germain Investment Management (presenting sponsor), Elms College (educational sponsor), and Country Bank (gold sponsor).

For more information about the JAWM Stock Market Challenge, sponsorships, and volunteering, visit jawm.org/stock-market-competition.