For many of us, the first time we encountered economics was in a textbook, defined in terms of supply and demand — accurate, yes, but not exactly inspiring. Across Arkansas today, students as early as fourth grade are discovering a more engaging way to learn about economics through The Stock Market Game.
Since 1999, Economics Arkansas has facilitated the national program of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Foundation in Arkansas. The game equips students with a virtual $100,000 to invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds. The program is open to all grade levels but is most often used in grades 4-12 and includes competitions at the regional and statewide level for students and teachers. Competitions each semester and throughout the year let students test their strategies and compare results with peers across the state. What may sound like just a classroom exercise is one of the most effective ways to bring economics to life.
In 2025, more than 17,000 Arkansas students participated, joining hundreds of thousands nationwide. Thanks to a public-private sponsorship between the Arkansas Securities Department and the Walton Family Foundation, participation in Arkansas is free for every team that signs up. The support allows classrooms in every region of the state to access the program, from rural elementary schools to large, urban high schools.
What do students gain from the experience? Every principle of economics. They see how markets respond to world events, how diversification reduces risk, why interest compounds and what it means to invest for the short term versus the long haul. They also gain vocabulary such as stocks, bonds, dividends and market capitalization that will serve them for a lifetime. Most importantly, they experience decision-making with real stakes, even if the money is virtual. Programs such as The Stock Market Game show the power of education to connect theory with practice, making classroom lessons meaningful long after students leave school.
One of the first lessons emphasized is that students should play the game differently than they will live their financial lives. The short-term competition rewards quick gains, but real investing requires patience, discipline and long-term planning. The game’s rules reinforce sound investing practices, including diversification and risk management. Understanding that distinction prepares students to make informed decisions about saving and investing later in life.
Teachers often share that the program transforms their classrooms. Fourth graders researching companies they recognize, such as Apple or Starbucks, suddenly connect their daily lives to the global economy. Middle and high school students begin to see the relevance of current events and economic policy in ways no textbook alone could convey. That is the value of education at its best. Students are not memorizing definitions; they are practicing real-world applications that prepare them for college, careers and citizenship.
The program also fosters collaboration. Students work in teams, debating trades, researching financial news and presenting strategies. They develop critical thinking, communication and technology skills alongside financial literacy.
Each semester, first-place teams from six Arkansas regions are recognized at a statewide awards luncheon with cash prizes for students and teachers. Yearlong winners at each grade level are also honored. While the awards provide motivation, students leave the program able to define economics and apply it to their own lives.
The program also connects to writing and critical thinking through the InvestWrite competition, for which students craft essays about their strategies and lessons learned, encouraging reflection and communication skills that extend well beyond economics.
With traditional pensions becoming increasingly rare, young people must take ownership of their financial futures. That requires understanding saving, investing and risk long before they enter the workforce. The Stock Market Game fills that gap, preparing students not just to pass a test but to navigate life.
It is no surprise that Arkansas consistently has strong participation. Students who experience the program are better equipped to succeed whether they choose careers in business, health care, technology or education. Economics is the study of choices, and every student, regardless of path, will make economic decisions daily.
As a board member of Economics Arkansas, I see firsthand how The Stock Market Game inspires students and supports teachers. Each year at the awards luncheon, I am thrilled to witness the significant and positive impact the program has had on their education, and I am always impressed with their results. It is more than a simulation; it is a window into the real world and a bridge between classroom learning and lifelong skills.
The spring 2026 competition runs Jan. 5 to April 10, and the yearlong competition will conclude April 17.
Susannah Marshall is Arkansas bank commissioner and Arkansas securities commissioner, for which she oversees the regulation of banks and a wide range of financial industries across the state. She has worked on behalf of the state of Arkansas since 1995 and is committed to advancing effective investor education and financial literacy. She also serves on the board of directors of Economics Arkansas, along with several other financial and education-focused organizations.
