The University at Albany campus was buzzing with excitement as hundreds of high school students gathered for Junior Achievement’s annual Stock Market Challenge. The event, held at the Broadview Center, gave students a taste of the fast-paced world of day trading and investing.
With nearly 400 students from eight different schools forming 99 teams, the trading floor was a flurry of activity. Students like Heidi Bilger and Reilly Laven from Shaker High School were eager to learn about investing and how to navigate the financial world.
Guided by NEWS10 ABC’s K.C. Kantz and Trishna Begam, students kept up with the latest news that impacted stock prices. Chris Horne from Junior Achievement emphasized the importance of the immersive experience in helping students understand how the stock market works.
Despite some nail-biting moments and a few mistakes, students gained valuable financial literacy and independence. Bilger advised her peers to make decisions confidently, while teacher Chris Austen highlighted the teamwork and critical thinking skills developed during the challenge.
In the end, the competition was fierce, with the team “Stay Winnin'” from Shaker High School setting a record for the highest return on investments in the competition’s history. The Stock Market Challenge not only provided students with a hands-on learning experience but also showcased their potential in the world of finance.
