Inaugural Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge Sees Fast and Furious Trading

Portland, February 19th, 2015. Hundreds of students and professionals  participated in Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington’s Stock Market Challenge. Students got the ball rolling with their contest, then the professionals came together for a night of fun and friendly competition as they support business education for the youth in their communities.  The event raised over $40,000 which equates to bringing Junior Achievement programs to over 1,300 students.

The JA Stock Market Challenge brings the excitement of Wall Street to the Rose City.  The event begins with 30 companies, each comprised of five-person teams, being issued $500,000 of “mock stock.” Once the bell rings, teams must collaborate in the buying and selling of stock shares in fictitious companies throughout the simulated 60-day trading period. During the simulation, teams compete for the attention of a floor trader who uses a handheld device to make their trades in real time, while tracking the performance of their stocks on three jumbo screens which are visible to all. Trading is fast, fun and furious, with a new day starting every 80 seconds.

Organization Overview

JA of Oregon & SW Washington was established in 1950 and founded nationally in 1919. JA Worldwide™ is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Student Impact

Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington will reach more than 40,000 kindergarten through twelfth-grade students this year alone.

Program Scope

More than 1,550 classrooms in 83 area school districts and private schools will integrate Junior Achievement programs into their daily curriculum.

Volunteers

Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington’s in-class programs are largely implemented as a result of the generous time donated by our more than 3,200 area volunteers.

Funding

Junior Achievement relies entirely on private & corporate contributions, as well as the funds raised by our more than 2,000 special events volunteers. We are not a United Way agency and do not receive government funding. As such, funds raised through our Annual Fund Drive Campaign, Summer Golf Classic & Bowl-a-Thon events provide a significant source of revenue for our organization and for the local students we serve. If you’d like to help support our cause by making a contribution to Junior Achievement, please click here. Thank you in advance for your support of Junior Achievement!