15 Online Investment Competitions for High School Students
Investment competitions give you a practical way to demonstrate to colleges that you can analyze information, make evidence-based decisions, and work effectively as part of a team under pressure.
What do online investment competitions involve?
Most competitions ask you to manage a simulated portfolio or evaluate a real company, then defend your reasoning through a written report or live presentation to judges. Even if you do not win, being shortlisted, advancing to a final round, or producing a strong investment report can strengthen your college applications and give you concrete work to discuss in essays or interviews.
Why pursue an investment competition in high school?
These competitions are often cost-effective, since many are online, school-based, or free to enter, so you usually don't need extensive travel or high program fees to participate. They can also introduce you to mentors, finance faculty, professional judges, and potential collaborators for future business or investing projects.
Here are 15 online investment competitions for high school students to consider. If you want to compare investment contests with broader finance opportunities, check out our guides on business competitions for high school students and investment and trading programs for high school students.
Quick Look
8 free-to-enter competitions: Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, Capitol Hill Challenge, Ithaca College, K-State, Bentley University, United States Junior Investment Challenge, Arkansas Tech University, and How The Market Works.
2 paid-entry competitions: Young Investors Society ($25) and UT Dallas Top Trader ($50).
3 competitions requiring club or organization membership: DECA Stock Market Game, FBLA Stock Market Game, and InvestWrite (tied to The Stock Market Game).
1 selective, invitation-based competition: Capitol Hill Challenge, which requires a school nomination.
Wharton's Global High School Investment Competition has the widest reach, open to students worldwide ages 14-18 in teams with an advisor.
15 Online Investment Competitions for High School Students
1. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Location: Virtual; Global Finale at the Wharton School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Teams of 4–7 students with an advisor
Program Dates: September – April (tentatively)
Application Deadline: September (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18 worldwide
The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is one of the largest and most recognized online investment competitions available to high school students. You work in a team to develop and manage a simulated investment portfolio while responding to a real-world client case study. Rather than focusing solely on portfolio returns, the competition evaluates how effectively you justify your investment decisions and align them with your client's goals. Throughout the challenge, you conduct market research, analyze companies, assess risk, and develop a long-term investment strategy. Teams submit written reports explaining their decision-making process and portfolio performance. If you advance to the final round, you present your strategy to judges from the Wharton School and gain exposure to finance professionals and university faculty.
2. Young Investors Society Global Stock Pitch Competition
Location: Virtual; Global Finals in New York City, New York, U.S.
Cost: $25 per participant
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Individual participants or teams of up to 2 students
Program Dates: October – March (tentatively)
Application Deadline: February (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Young Investors Society Global Stock Pitch Competition challenges you to evaluate a publicly traded company and develop a professional investment recommendation. You begin by selecting a company and researching its financial performance, competitive position, management team, and future growth prospects. You will prepare a written stock pitch, presentation slides, and a recorded presentation that explains why the stock should be bought or sold. The competition emphasizes valuation techniques, critical thinking, and communication skills rather than simulated trading performance. Finalists present their recommendations before investment professionals and industry experts. This competition is particularly valuable if you are interested in equity research, investment banking, or asset management and want experience presenting financial analysis.
3. The Stock Market Game
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by state or local administrator
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Teams typically consist of 1–5 participants
Program Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility: Students in grades 4–12
The Stock Market Game is one of the most widely used educational investment simulations in the United States. You receive a virtual portfolio and make investment decisions using real market data and current stock prices. Throughout the competition, you learn how to evaluate companies, monitor market trends, and manage risk. Depending on your region, you may compete against teams from other schools, districts, or states. The competition emphasizes long-term investing and financial literacy rather than speculative trading. It is an excellent starting point if you are new to investing and want structured exposure to financial markets.
4. Capitol Hill Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 15 teams per invited school; 3–5 students per team
Program Dates: January – May (tentatively)
Application Deadline: School nomination required
Eligibility: Selected U.S. public middle and high schools
The Capitol Hill Challenge combines investment education with civic engagement. You work as part of a team to manage a hypothetical investment portfolio while competing against schools across the country. You will invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments using real market data. The competition encourages you to think critically about portfolio diversification and long-term financial planning. Winning teams receive national recognition and opportunities to connect with public officials and business leaders. The program is particularly attractive if you are interested in both finance and public policy.
5. InvestWrite
Location: Virtual
Cost: Included through participation in The Stock Market Game
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Individual competition
Program Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility: Participants in The Stock Market Game
InvestWrite is a national financial writing competition that complements The Stock Market Game. Instead of focusing on portfolio returns, you demonstrate your understanding of investing through analytical essays. You will respond to prompts related to investing, retirement planning, risk management, or personal finance. The competition evaluates your ability to explain financial concepts clearly and support your ideas with evidence. Through the process, you strengthen both your financial literacy and written communication skills. This competition is particularly useful if you enjoy research and writing as much as quantitative analysis.
6. DECA Stock Market Game
Location: Virtual
Cost: DECA membership required
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Teams of 1–3 DECA members
Program Dates: September – December (tentatively)
Application Deadline: October (tentatively)
Eligibility: Active DECA members
The DECA Stock Market Game allows you to apply investment concepts within one of the world's largest student business organizations. Your team manages a virtual portfolio while competing against other DECA members. Throughout the competition, you analyze stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and market trends to make informed decisions. Success requires both financial knowledge and effective teamwork. Top-performing teams may earn recognition at DECA's International Career Development Conference. This competition is ideal if you already participate in DECA and want a finance-focused challenge.
7. FBLA Stock Market Game
Location: Virtual
Cost: FBLA membership required
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Individuals or teams of 2–5 participants
Program Dates: Varies by chapter and state
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility: Active FBLA members
The FBLA Stock Market Game allows you to manage a simulated investment portfolio while competing with other Future Business Leaders of America members. Participants receive a virtual portfolio and make investment decisions based on market research and financial analysis. The competition emphasizes portfolio growth, risk management, and strategic thinking. As you compete, you gain experience interpreting market news and evaluating securities. Many participants use the competition as preparation for future finance coursework and internships. The event also complements other business and entrepreneurship activities within FBLA.
8. Ithaca College High School Investment Competition
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Teams of 3–6 students with an advisor
Program Dates: November – April (tentatively)
Application Deadline: November (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Ithaca College High School Investment Competition provides your team with a virtual portfolio worth $1,000,000. Using real market information, you make investment decisions and track portfolio performance throughout the competition period. You will learn about diversification, asset allocation, and investment strategy while competing against other schools. Teams are encouraged to work collaboratively and justify their decisions using financial analysis. Top-performing participants may earn awards and recognition from Ithaca College. The extended competition timeline allows you to observe how investment decisions perform over several months.
9. K-State High School Investment Competition
Location: Virtual; Final presentations at Kansas State University, Kansas, U.S.
Cost: Free (tentatively)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Teams of 3–5 students
Program Dates: February – May (tentatively)
Application Deadline: February (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students
Kansas State University's High School Investment Competition combines portfolio management with formal presentations. Your team manages a simulated $1,000,000 investment portfolio and develops a documented investment strategy. Unlike competitions that focus only on returns, judges also evaluate your reasoning and presentation quality. Throughout the program, you learn how professional investors analyze risk and assess opportunities. Teams submit reports explaining their decisions and performance. This structure provides experience in both financial analysis and public speaking.
10. UT Dallas Top Trader Stock Market Competition
Location: Virtual
Cost: $50 registration fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Individual participants
Program Dates: June – July (tentatively)
Application Deadline: April (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students meeting program requirements
The UT Dallas Top Trader Competition is a summer investment challenge focused on portfolio performance. You receive a virtual account funded with simulated capital and compete by investing in stocks and ETFs. You will monitor market activity, evaluate opportunities, and adjust your portfolios over the course of the competition. Because the challenge is fully online, you can participate from anywhere. The competition rewards strategic decision-making and consistent performance rather than luck alone. It is particularly useful if you are looking for a summer finance activity that emphasizes active investing.
11. Bentley University Stock Market Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Individual participants
Program Dates: June – July (tentatively)
Application Deadline: June (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students
Bentley University's Stock Market Challenge allows you to manage a virtual portfolio while competing against peers from across the United States. You will receive simulated funds and invest using the StockTrak platform. Throughout the competition, you research securities, track market developments, and refine your investment strategy. The relatively short timeline makes it a manageable summer commitment. Top performers receive recognition and prizes from Bentley University. The competition is a good introduction to investment management and market analysis.
12. JA Stock Market Challenge
Location: Virtual or in-person depending on local chapter
Cost: Varies by location
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Team-based competition
Program Dates: Varies by region
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility: High school students
The Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge simulates a fast-paced trading environment where you react to changing market conditions. You will buy and sell investments while attempting to maximize portfolio value within a limited timeframe. The competition emphasizes quick decision-making and teamwork under pressure. Through the experience, you gain a better understanding of how financial markets operate and how economic news affects investment prices. Many events are linked to Junior Achievement financial literacy programs. The challenge is well suited for students interested in hands-on learning.
13. United States Junior Investment Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free (tentatively)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Individual participants
Program Dates: Summer (tentatively)
Application Deadline: June (tentatively)
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students
The United States Junior Investment Challenge introduces you to investing through a structured online competition. You will apply investment concepts while learning about stocks, markets, and financial decision-making. The competition is designed to be accessible even if you have limited prior experience in finance. Throughout the program, you gain exposure to portfolio management principles and investment research techniques. Educational resources help participants develop foundational financial knowledge. This makes it a useful option if you are looking for an introductory investment competition.
14. Arkansas Tech University High School Investment Challenge
Location: Virtual; Final presentations at Arkansas Tech University, Arkansas, U.S.
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Teams of up to 5 students
Program Dates: January – April (tentatively)
Application Deadline: December (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students
The Arkansas Tech University High School Investment Challenge combines portfolio management with investment presentations. Your team manages a virtual $1,000,000 portfolio while competing against other schools. You must develop a coherent investment strategy and explain the rationale behind your decisions. Judges evaluate both portfolio performance and presentation quality. The competition therefore rewards thoughtful analysis rather than short-term speculation alone. It is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in finance, teamwork, and public speaking simultaneously.
15. How The Market Works: Custom Stock Market Game
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Flexible; determined by organizer
Program Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Flexible
Eligibility: Open to students, classrooms, and investment clubs
HowTheMarketWorks allows you to participate in custom investment competitions created by teachers, schools, or student organizations. You will receive virtual capital and trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and other securities using real market data. The platform includes rankings, performance tracking tools, and educational resources to support learning. Because organizers can customize rules and timelines, competitions can be adapted to different experience levels. You can use the platform to compete with classmates, club members, or independent groups. It is a useful alternative if your school does not offer access to a larger national investment competition.
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you build skills for investment competitions, consider the Young Founders Lab!
If you want mentorship from successful entrepreneurs in building your business and learning investment skills, the Young Founders Lab is one of the strongest programs you can join in high school. It’s a 100% virtual start-up boot camp run by Harvard entrepreneurs, designed specifically for students who want to launch a company or non-profit.
In this program, you’ll get hands-on mentorship from founders and professionals from Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, and YC-backed companies, while building a venture that solves a real-world problem. You will gain hands-on experience with concepts such as pricing, market research, unit economics, and financial decision-making, skills that directly connect economics to entrepreneurship.
Multiple cohorts run throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring, so you can join whenever it fits your schedule. Financial aid is available, and the program is open to all high school students, with no prior experience required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free online investment competitions for high school students?
Yes. The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, Capitol Hill Challenge, Ithaca College's competition, and How The Market Works are all free to enter, though some require a school nomination or advisor.
2. Which competitions are open to students worldwide rather than just the US?
The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition and the Young Investors Society Global Stock Pitch Competition are both explicitly open to students internationally, while several others like Ithaca College's competition are open more broadly to high school students without a stated location restriction.
3. Which competition focuses on writing and analysis rather than trading performance?
InvestWrite is a financial writing competition where you respond to prompts on investing and personal finance rather than managing a live portfolio, making it a strong option if you're more interested in research and communication than active trading.