Students from 38 Colorado high schools converged to compete at 2016 JA Stock Market Challenge, presented by Bank of America, on Nov. 3 and 4. The JA Stock Market Challenge is a live stock market simulation game, featuring teams of students who compete to see who can grow their initial $500,000 investment into the largest net worth mock stock portfolio.

Students apply what they learned in the JA Take Stock in Your Future classroom lessons about individual equities, the impact of the economy, geopolitical events and market sentiment, all against the backdrop of competing with their peers. The challenge offers a taste of what it’s like to build a portfolio, manage risk and experience its performance in a compressed period of time. All the energy and excitement of the stock trading floor is simulated in this interactive high-tech event.

“Gaining an in-depth understanding about our economy is a key element to personal financial health and growth,” said Jodi Rolland, Colorado State and Denver Market President for Bank of America. “We’re proud to partner with nonprofit organizations like Junior Achievement to create fun and exciting financial learning opportunities for our youth and, in turn, continue to build thriving economies in the Denver community.”

Following are the teams that took home the top trophy in each session. The combined net worth of these teams was an impressive $6,872,867.

1st Session: Rock Canyon High School
2nd Session: Rock Canyon High School
3rd Session: Boulder High School
4th Session: Vista PEAK Preparatory

This year we will also be hosting a JA Stock Market Challenge in Fort Collins! The corporate event will be held on Nov. 10, and the student events will be held on Nov. 11. For more information, contact Elizabeth Winn at 303-319-6435.