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 filled with chaos and intensity reminiscent of the New York Stock Exchange. 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 stayed up to date on the latest news that impacted stock prices. Chris Horne from Junior Achievement emphasized the importance of this immersive experience in teaching students about financial literacy and independence.
Despite some nail-biting moments and a few mistakes, students showcased their teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Chris Austen, a Business and Finance teacher at Albany High School, praised the competition for providing invaluable real-world experience.
In the end, the winning team, Stay Winnin’ from Shaker High School, made history by reporting the highest return on investments the competition has ever seen. The Stock Market Challenge not only provided students with a fun and engaging learning experience but also equipped them with practical skills that will benefit them in the future.