HARTFORD, Conn. — The learning starts before the opening bell. Over 300 high school students are exploring investing, risk, and financial decision-making in their classrooms as they prepare for Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s JA Stock Market Challenge on November 19, 2026.
Through JA Take Stock in Your Future lessons, students learn how financial markets work and examine the factors that influence investment decisions. This classroom experience lays the groundwork for an interactive stock market simulation where students will put their knowledge into action.
During the JA Stock Market Challenge, student teams will evaluate information, make investment decisions, and respond to changing market conditions. The experience brings classroom concepts to life while helping students practice teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making under pressure.
Volunteers from companies including Stanley Black & Decker, HSB, M&T Bank, and Charles Schwab will help bring the trading floor to life. Serving as traders throughout the simulation, these volunteers play an essential role in executing students’ trades and creating the fast-paced atmosphere of a real stock market. Their involvement also connects students with professionals who demonstrate the value of financial knowledge and informed decision-making.
By combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning and community involvement, the event helps students build confidence in navigating financial decisions and better understand the impact of their choices.
Junior Achievement of Southwest New England invites additional local businesses and community members to help make this experience possible. Volunteers can support students on the trading floor, while sponsors can help expand access to meaningful financial education.
To learn more about the JA Stock Market Challenge, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorships, visit swne.ja.org/events/2026-ja-stock-market-challenge.
About Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to preparing young people for success in work and life. Through innovative educational experiences, JA works to accelerate economic mobility and opportunity by giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make informed academic and financial decisions. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that equip students from kindergarten through high school with critical skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 3.3 million students annually in over 100 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Visit: https://swne.ja.org
Media Contact: Analis Pedroso
860-525-4510, apedroso@jaconn.org