ZANESVILLE, Ohio – More than 200 seventh and eighth graders from 10 school districts are learning about investments and the stock market thanks to support from The Community Bank and Park National Bank. The financial institutions are providing funding for student licenses, so they can access The Stock Market Game.
According to Colette Smith, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Gifted Education Coordinator, participating students started the program October 13 and 14, 2021, with a virtual kickoff event, and it runs through April 8, 2022.
Participating districts include Caldwell, Coshocton, Crooksville, Franklin, Logan-Hocking, Maysville, Morgan, Newcomerstown, Ridgewood and River View. “We are extremely grateful to Park National Bank and The Community Bank for helping make this opportunity available for so many students throughout the region,” Smith said.
“Park National Bank is proud to continue to support the growth of our communities through educational initiatives that will benefit our children. Park National Bank is proud to sponsor the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center for students to participate in ‘The Stock Market Game.’ The knowledge and exposure these students will gain will not only augment their personal development but also advance the future economic prosperity of our community,” said Kang Kim and Bill Addington from Park National Bank Investment Services.
In The Stock Market Game, each student is given $100,000 to use in the game to invest and develop his or her stock portfolio. Through this experience, students will be exposed to the stock market, without the fear of losing real money. Students are encouraged to research stocks that interest them, follow them in the news, pay attention to world events, and attempt to build the best performing portfolio.
“The Community Bank is always looking for opportunities to help parents and our school systems provide financial literacy. ‘The Stock Market Game’ allows students to have some hands-on learning experiences that are fun and impactful. TCB understands that these kids are the future, and we are honored to participate,” said Becky Vansickle, VP/Office Manager, Frazeysburg Office, and Allison Weeks, VP/Customer Experience/Business Development Officer, The Community Bank.