Program Turns Stock Market Education into Childs Play

A Monmouth-based social service organization turns the stock market into child's play for a group of 5th through 8th graders. The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold will be restarting its annual Stock Market Challenge out of the Freehold Borough YMCA, where they show kids how the New York Stock Exchange works and then allow them to participate in an exciting competition where they can win prizes and bragging rights.

"They're able to select companies to follow and buy and trade and try to be the champions in terms of the amount of money that they make," said Freehold Borough YMCA Branch Manager Mel O'Neal.

He said last year's second place winners are planning to return in hopes of winning the number 1 spot during the next round.

The Sunrise Optimist Club also includes a field trip to New York City to visit the Mint, "introducing young people to the market and the idea of trying to have their money work as hard for them as they work to obtain their money," O'Neal Adds.

The Stock Market Challenge is in its third year and they're collecting permission slips for the next round that starts in January. O'Neal said there are no residency restrictions.

Starting January 15th, The Stock Market Challenge will meet every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Freehold Borough YMCA Community Center on 41 Center Street. Permission forms can be obtained through a link at www.ymcanj.org or call 732-845-5273.