When it comes to protecting and preparing investors, consumers and savers, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation are among the leaders[PR1]. FINRA safeguards market integrity, implements investor protections, and helps ensure that communities have the awareness they need to make sound financial decisions. This commitment extends to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s generous partnership with MCEE - and it’s having a direct and significant impact on students. 

Beginning in 2021, the FINRA Foundation has supported MCEE in expanding personal finance and economic education across Maryland. Every school year since, it has provided funding to allow groups of underserved, Title 1 schools to participate in theStock Market Game, the MCEE-managed student competition delivering simulated stock market investing experience while building financial and academic skills.

“The FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s mission is to support innovative resources and educational projects that give underserved Americans the knowledge, skills and tools they need to make sound financial decisions,” explained Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation, Senior Vice President of Investor Education. “Coupled with the proven success of the Stock Market Game in improving student performance and MCEE’s shared dedication and impressive work towards this mission, our partnership was a natural fit.”

This commitment to breaking down barriers to economic understanding has driven MCEE’s work and has helped the Maryland Stock Market Game grow into the impactful program it is today. More than 320 Maryland schools and 17,000 students participate a year.

The FINRA Foundation also partners with MCEE to bring FINRA experts into classrooms to share insights with students on topics like capital markets, regulatory environments, and differing types of investments. In addition to its support of MCEE, FINRA’s Office of Investor Education provides useful resources that guide investors through the investing process toward the best decisions.Find them here. 

As Walsh put it, “having financial understanding promotes the ability to make sound financial decisions throughout life. These decisions are all around us, and having the information needed to make them in ways that align with our goals could not be more important. Through this work with MCEE, we’re seeking to reduce the wealth disparities and economic barriers that stem from lack of awareness.”

MCEE couldn’t be more appreciative of the FINRA Foundation’s thoughtful, impactful partnership and support. To learn more about the FINRA Foundation, clickhere.