SALISBURY, MD---While most high schoolers depend on allowances and part-time jobs for spending money, 19 students from Parkside High School recently learned how investments also can pay off, thanks to Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, in partnership with the Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE).

Through the Stock Market Game, an applied financial literacy simulation program managed by MCEE, students received hands-on training in market analysis, fundamental analysis of selecting stocks and making investment decisions.

“Previously, Wicomico County Public Schools students would travel to Towson University [in Baltimore County] to participate in this program,” said Dr. Leonard Arvi, SU professor of finance, who led the training. “With the support of MCEE, we are able to provide the same opportunity to our local public-school students.”

MCEE, a non-profit organization working with educators and students throughout Maryland to ensure access to high-quality economics and personal finance education, coordinated the field trip for the Parkside students. Also in attendance were Parkside High School teachers Jennifer Pariseau and Pamela Bryan, as well as Julie Weaver, MCEE executive director.

After the training and presentation, students received a campus tour of SU, followed by lunch at the University’s Commons, for many it was their first visit to a college campus.

“This initiative is part of SU’s community outreach and highlighting SU as a potential college choice for them,” Leonard said.

The program was made possible through funding support from Dr. Christy Weer, dean of the Perdue School, and Dr. Karen Olmstead, SU provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

While this was the first-time high school students have used the Stock Market Game at SU, Arvi hopes to expand the program to accommodate more students, including those from other area schools, in the future.

Learn more about opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.