The stock market has started the year on a strong note, and 1,792 students participating this spring in the Hawaii Stock Market Simulation program are hoping to share in the riches.
The 10-week program began Monday, with teams of two to four students from grades 3 through 12 picking investments in their hypothetical $100,000 portfolios. The primary goal of the Hawaii Stock Market Simulation, which ends April 19, is to teach healthy investing practices.
The program is administered by the Hawaii Council on Economic Education in partnership with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of the Securities Commissioner.
There are 822 teams and 37 teachers participating from 28 public, private and charter schools and organizations across the state, including Oahu, Hawaii island, Maui and Molokai. Registration remains open through March 1 for new teachers who still want to sign up.
"The Hawaii SMS is one of our longest-running and most popular programs," said Toni Takeno, executive director of the Hawaii Council on Economic Education. "It allows a wide range of students the opportunity to learn about saving and investing in a safe and fun environment. We’re excited to have a program that includes students statewide in this learning opportunity."
The Stock Market Simulation program started in Hawaii in the fall of 2000 with 183 students and has grown steadily.
Students can participate in four categories:
» The aggressive division requires that portfolios contain 80 percent stocks and 20 percent bonds.
» The growth-division portfolio must contain 65 percent stocks and 35 percent bonds.
» The income/growth division requires 50 percent stocks and 50 percent bonds.
» The elementary division does not have to contain bonds.
The first- and second-place teams at the end of the 10-week period receive $50 and $25 SmartyPig gift cards, respectively, to open a savings account.
For more information, go to www.smartypig.com.
A complete list of all team rankings can be viewed at hawaiisms.com.
