News from the Hill

Congratulations to Matthew '28 For winning second place in the Middle School Division of the National InvestWrite Competition! Through Mr. Wahls’ government and economics course, students played the Stock Market Game, learning the ins and outs of buying, trading, and selling stocks. Students wrote about what they learned and how they would invest to attain certain financial and life goals, requiring them not simply to recite the principles of economics, but to apply and practice their newfound financial literacy. 

The SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite national essay competition serves as a vital bridge between classroom education in mathematics, social studies, language arts, and the practical application of research and knowledge essential for saving, investing, and long-term financial planning. The competition is a culminating activity for the acclaimed Stock Market Game™, a curriculum-based financial education program challenging students to manage a hypothetical $100,000 online portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash. InvestWrite empowers students to apply their hands-on learning in real-world scenarios that teach the fundamentals of investing. 

SIFMA Foundation’s programs are proven to enhance participants’ test scores in math and economics, foster financial planning skills, promote teamwork and interpersonal social-emotional learning, and better prepare students for future academic and professional endeavors. With a steadfast commitment to closing opportunity gaps in society, the SIFMA Foundation equips young people from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on underserved youth, with a robust understanding of financial markets.   

"I enjoyed playing the Stock Market Game this year as it was a new experience, I have never worked with stocks before, so it was fun and very educational. The Stock Market Game helped me learn how to research information that will help me decide whether to buy, hold or sell a stock. It also taught me how to diversify my portfolio using funds, bonds, and industries, and how diversifying my portfolio will help me make more money and achieve my goals. These are things that will stick with me for the rest of my life and help me make money to have a successful career," shared Matthew.