SANFORD - A team from Central Carolina Community College won the collegiate division in recent competition of the Stock Market Game.
The SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) Foundation is responsible for the program. Amber Thomas, CCCC Business Technologies Instructor, worked through the non-profit North Carolina Council on Economic Education, which administered the project.
Members of the winning CCCC team were Shannon Eason, Amanda Holt, and Jennifer M. Womble, all of Harnett County. The team received a scholarship award from First Bank.
The game allows students to manage and invest a portfolio of $100,000 virtual dollars. Their investments are linked to the actual stock market. There are certain rules they must follow regarding how purchases are made, but they have lots of freedom to be creative and formulate their own beliefs and ideas to invest their money. The CCCC team showed a 5.71 percent return with a net equity gain of $5,706.82 in the nine-week session.
The team's portfolio included Apple, Cisco, Walt Disney, Facebook, Google, Nike, and Exxon Mobil.
The three participants said of their participation:
"I like utilizing the Stock Market Game because it brings the facts and theories we teach to life. Students are more engaged, aware of current economic conditions, and are eager to learn about the market," said Thomas. "The game not only presents a great simulation, but it also provides a platform for class discussion and an ideal opportunity for collaboration in a team environment.
"The team environment is something I am passionate about, in both face-to-face and distance education courses, because I think it teaches them a key skill they will need in the workforce. After listening to countless students' feedback, most agree that once they have played the game they are more interested and curious about the market as well as the key role it plays or will play in their financial futures."
For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit the website www.cccc.edu.
Central Carolina Community College Business Technologies Instructor Amber Thomas (left) is pictured with three of her students -- Shannon Eason, Amanda Holt, and Jennifer Womble - who comprised the winning collegiate team in recent competition of the Stock Market Game. Pictured at right is Sandy Wheat, Executive Director of the N.C. Council on Economic Education.
First Bank presented a scholarship award to the winning Central Carolina Community College team that participated in the Stock Market Game. Pictured are (left to right) Travis Bailey, Hunter Young, and Allen Smith of First Bank; students Shannon Eason, Amanda Holt, and Jennifer Womble; and Stewart Forbes of First Bank.