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Stock
market simulation games are a great way to try your hand at
investing. In these games, you can invest a hypothetical chunk
of money in different stocks over a period of time and see
how you do. It’s a sort of practice run for the real
thing. If you’re still not convinced, how about this
enticement: some of these games and contests have real prizes.
I’ve
listed some of the games best suited to teens below; for more
information on them, check out their Web sites. Ladies and
gentlemen, start your portfolios!
The
Stock Market Game www.smgww.org
The
lowdown: Played by classroom teams in grades 4-12 (college
and adult divisions are also available.) Along with its internet
version, the game also has a paper version. It’s sponsored
by the Securities Industry Foundation for Economic Education,
and is the best known, and most popular game out there.
The
prizes: Vary by state; winners may receive trophies, cash
prizes, savings bonds or student trips
Play
dates: Contest lasts ten weeks in spring and fall. Starting
and ending dates vary by state.
How
much does it cost? Again, it varies by state and region;
typical fee is in the $15 to $25 per team range. Many states
line up corporate sponsors to pay fees for entrants.
Investment
Challenge www.ichallenge.net
The
lowdown: Middle school, high school, and college teams
play with a $500,000 paper portfolio; also open to individual
entrants.
The
prizes: Cash prizes, $100. to $1000.
Play
dates: Fall and spring contests generally run eight to
nine weeks. See web site for more details.
How
much does it cost? Three basic price levels: Basic (free),
Trader Edge ($19.95) offers more trading options. Add $10.00
to Traders Edge price for telephone trading capabilities.
MainXchange www.mainxchange.com
The
lowdown: Participants can be classroom teams or individuals.
The game is available via the Internet.
The
prizes: Depends on the competition. In the past, prizes
have included trips, computers and merchandise from web site
sponsors.
Play
dates: Competitions run every month during the fall and
spring semesters; there is also a year-long contest.
How
much does it cost? It’s free.
CNBC
Student Stock Tournament www.sst.cnbc.com
The
lowdown: School based competition for grades 4-12; $100,000
paper portfolio; game is played via the Internet.
The
prizes In most recent competition, 300 shares of GE stock
was donated to the winning team's school (recent value: more
that $17,000). Top teams appear on CNBC.
Play
dates: Competitions run for approximately ten weeks in
fall and spring.
How
much does it cost? Free
Salomon
Smith Barney Young
Investors
Network Portfolio Contest www.salomonsmithbarney.com/YIN/
The
lowdown: Game is played in schools; program is still in
development. Most recently about 100 schools in 21 states
participated.
The
prizes: Members of the winning class get one share each
of Citigroup (recently trading at 55)
Play
dates: Contest runs for 10-11 weeks in the fall or spring.
How
much does it cost? Free
Virtual
Stock Exchange www.virtualstockexchange.com
information
to come
Stock-Trak
Portfolio Simulations
www.stocktrak.com(used
mostly in colleges)
information
to come
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