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JA Central Ontario's Investment Strategies Program brings students together with industry leaders to learn all about the exciting world of the stock market!
JA Central Ontario's Investment Strategies Program (ISP) is a unique, hands-on opportunity for high school students to learn all about the world of investing. Sponsored by Questrade, this online learning experience brings the stock market to life for students.
On February 8th, the winners of JA's latest ISP experiences met with senior leaders from Questrade to discuss their winning strategies and future career goals. Dean Percy, Chief Financial Officer at Questrade, spoke to two winning students about their experience with the program - Ahnaf, a grade 12 student from Cedarbrae Collegiate, Scarborough, and Dante, a grade 11 student from Tommy Douglas Secondary School in Woodbridge.
On February "It's so important to ensure that Canadians have financial literacy and the capability to manage their finances," says Dean. "It's important for young people to learn these key skills and JA is at the forefront of financial education for students. We're very proud to partner with them on this learning experience."
This meeting was an opportunity for Ahnaf and Dante to ask the Questrade team insightful questions about the world of investing, and about future careers. The discussion covered stock market specifics, tips for investing and possible opportunities for students looking to start a career in finance.
In addition to the real-life experience and knowledge gained, winning students also receive $1,000 each towards a TFSA account from Questrade.
About the Investment Strategies Program
ISP is a unique learning experience and online competition that helps students understand trading on the stock market. This Canada-wide program teaches students how to apply key investing principles in the real world and culminates in a 6-week competition, where students research and manage their own simulated stock portfolio using live data from North American stock markets.
The online competition sees thousands of students from across Canada compete for the highest return on their simulated investments. Each team competed to build effective stock portfolios and trade with a mock $100,000 in real-time markets to build their skills during the contest.
Questrade Team ChequeHisPockets
Ahnaf, Tyler and Pranavan
Cedarbrae Collegiate, Scarborough
Questrade Team ChequeHisPockets ranked first in Canada with a winning total of over $240,000 in equity at the competition close.
"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and for allowing us to show our risk management skills in the stock simulation challenge," said the team in a joint statement. "The result was very much worth the hard work and we are very pleased to have finished first place. Although executing trades in real life is a bit different, we look forward to continuing our success in the markets to the best of our abilities once we turn 18. It was a great pleasure competing against so many talented teams from all across the nation."
Questrade Team 18025
Dante
Tommy Douglas Secondary School, Woodbridge
Dante ranked seventh overall in Canada, with a winning total of over $122,000 in equity at the competition close.
"A huge thank you goes out to JA Central Ontario for offering the Investment Strategies Program, being an incredible gateway into the world of investing," says Dante. "I truly thank my Accounting teacher, Mr. Schwan, for all of his wisdom and guidance that has helped me build a strong knowledge in stock investments. I also greatly appreciate Questrade for sponsoring this program, helping myself to start building a healthy financial future. Any student who wants to hone their financial literacy skills within a realistic stock trading environment yet without risking real money should definitely look towards this program."
About JA Central Ontario
JA Central Ontario envisions a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. They want to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks to shape the future.
As a youth-centred charity, JA Central Ontario works together with a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and educators to deliver immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship and more. JA students benefit from mentorship and real-world experiences, transforming their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations as they build their futures.
JA Central Ontario impacts students in Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham and Simcoe regions. They are part of one of the world’s most-impactful youth-serving social good organizations – JA Worldwide – and they work closely with our national network, JA Canada.
About Questrade
Questrade is supporting JA Central Ontario teams as they take on this tough competition. The team provides support and helps students make the most of this unique experience.
Questrade is Canada’s fastest growing and the #1 rated* online brokerage. They are changing the Canadian financial services industry by leveraging technology to lower fees while providing a viable alternative to traditional financial investment options, thereby allowing Canadians to Keep More of their Money.
*MoneySense 2021
