Junior Achievement of North Florida Hosts 3rd JA Stock Market Challenge

Junior Achievement of North Florida (JA) is excited to announce their 3rd JA Stock Market Challenge, a dynamic competition designed to teach students the fundamentals of building savings, long-term investment strategies and financial management. Taking place on December 11, 2024 at EverBank Stadium Gallagher Club East, this fast-paced experiential learning opportunity, will provide 200 local teens from 16 schools with hands-on understanding of the stock market and global financial markets.

The unique setting of EverBank’s Gallagher Suites adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, allowing young minds to engage in financial simulations in the atmosphere of a professional sports venue. The event is not only educational but also aimed at fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.

"The Stock Market Challenge is a testament to the power of experiential learning in shaping the future leaders of our community," said Tiffany Guthrie, VP of Programs & Partnerships at Junior Achievement of North Florida. "We are immensely grateful to our sponsors for their unwavering support in empowering these students with JA programs."

“EverBank is proud to partner with Junior Achievement as part of a shared commitment to empowering North Florida students with financial education,” said Eric Loller, SVP and CRA officer for EverBank, the presenting sponsor of the JA Stock Market Challenge.

Leading up to the Stock Market Challenge, over 1,000 students will complete JA’s Take Stock in Your Future program, which introduces students to concepts about how the stock market works and the impact of current events on the stock market. The JA Take Stock in Your Future curriculum helps students learn the basics of stocks, current market trends, long-term investment strategies, and the risks and rewards associated with their decision-making.

The 16 schools participating in the Stock Market Challenge include Jean Ribault High School, William Raines High School, PACE Center for Girls, KIPP Bold City High School, Baldwin Middle-Senior High School, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Riverside High School, Englewood High School, Westside High School, Fletcher High School, First Coast High School, Samuel W. Wolfson High School, Matanzas High School, Terry Parker High School, Joshua Christian Academy, and Lone Star High School.

The live competition will simulate an active trading floor, where participating students will experience the fast-paced thrill of the stock exchange. Once the opening bell is rung, the market opens and every 60 seconds is a new trading day. Teams will evaluate trends and compete for the attention of floor traders to make trades, buy, and sell shares. The competition challenges participants to think quickly and react to real-time market shifts, simulating the fast-paced environment of actual stock trading. First, second, and third place teams will all receive prizes and medals.

Media is invited to attend the live competition. EverBank is the presenting sponsor of the JA Stock Market Challenge.