Kearney, Mo., April 4, 2025: The Bulldogs at Dogwood Elementary are bullish about their futures after winning a state stock market contest.
A team comprised of Dogwood students Titus Brewer, Colton Watson and Lachlan Griffith recently earned first place in the SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game. The game celebrates top-performing teams across elementary, middle and high school categories.
The Dogwood team achieved the highest portfolio values among Missouri students in the competition and was recognized alongside their teachers and school. Coached by fifth-grade teacher Lindsey Thomas, these dedicated students and other fifth-graders arrived at school bright and early once a week to study the stock market and strategize their investments.
“I’m so proud of these students and impressed by all the work they put into this experience,” Principal Kathleen Bahan said. “This is the kind of Project Based Learning that prepare our students to thrive and contribute to our community.”
Hosted by the SIFMA Foundation in collaboration with dedicated local partners, The Stock Market Game underscores the value of equipping young people with essential financial skills and knowledge. This dynamic program allows students to engage in the complexities of stock trading by managing a simulated portfolio with a virtual $100,000. Through this hands-on learning experience, participants gain valuable insights into economics, finance, and market dynamics.
“Congratulations to all the outstanding student teams who excelled in this semester’s Stock Market Game,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “This program is about more than just numbers—it’s about inspiring the next generation of leaders to think critically, make informed choices, and approach financial challenges with confidence.”
Participants explore the value of long-term investing through an innovative educational platform used by Missouri teachers to enhance knowledge in math, economics and personal finance. This comprehensive program improves test scores while imparting critical life skills essential for financial independence.
In teams of up to five, students simulate real-world investing, trading stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. They research market trends, monitor global news, and make strategic trades in real-time using the Stock Market Game’s online tools or smartphone app. Additionally, students can prioritize socially responsible investments aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The Stock Market Game curriculum integrates lessons, hands-on activities and virtual events to develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills through an engaging real-world simulation. Teachers access a robust online support center, offering over 1,000 lesson plans that align with Missouri education standards, STEM requirements, and 21st-century learning goals. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of long-term saving and investing while enhancing core subjects like math, language arts, economics, and social studies.
Beyond the competition, students gain invaluable skills in research, risk assessment and decision-making. These lessons not only deepen their understanding of economic principles, but also instill a sense of financial responsibility and readiness for future academic, career and personal finance challenges.
