Five programs built around one investing game
The Stock Market Game is where most students start. The other four programs let them try investing in half an hour, write about it, compete with their Members of Congress, or learn from people who work in finance.
The Stock Market Game™Investing simulation for grades 4–12 and adults
600,000+students every yearDetails →
SMGIQ
SMG InvestQuest™30–40 minute investing challenge, no sign-up
30–40 minto play, no sign-upDetails →
IW
InvestWrite®National essay competition for SMG students
300,000students have submitted essaysDetails →
CHC
Capitol Hill Challenge™Public schools matched with their Members of Congress
8,500+school–Congress matches since 2004Details →
IIF
Invest It Forward®Financial professionals volunteer in classrooms
17,000+volunteers have supported SMG classroomsDetails →
A learning path, not a list
The Stock Market Game is where most students start. SMG InvestQuest lets anyone try investing in half an hour; InvestWrite, the Capitol Hill Challenge and Invest It Forward take the game further with writing, civics and real professionals.
Try it
SMG InvestQuest gives anyone a 30–40 minute taste of investing, with no registration.
Play the game
The Stock Market Game runs for several weeks or a full school year in class or after school.
Go further
Write for InvestWrite, compete in the Capitol Hill Challenge, and meet volunteers through Invest It Forward.
Programs side by side
| Program | Who it's for | Time | Cost | Sign-up | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Stock Market Game | Grades 4–12, post-secondary, adults | Several weeks to a school year | No cost or low cost | Teacher or adult registers | Fall, spring, full year, summer |
| SMG InvestQuest | Anyone; great for classes | 30–40 minutes | Free | Not needed | Any time |
| InvestWrite | SMG students, grades 4–12 | One essay per semester | Free | Through SMG advisor | Fall: Dec 9 · Spring: Mar 19 |
| Capitol Hill Challenge | Public middle and high schools | 14 weeks | Free | By invitation | Jan 25 – Apr 29, 2027 |
| Invest It Forward | Financial professionals and SMG educators | 45–60 minute session | Free | Volunteer or educator portal | Year-round |
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your classroom or organization and we will point you to the right program.