Denver Public Schools (DPS) is taking significant strides in enhancing financial literacy among its students. On Thursday, the district collaborated with Junior Achievement to host a “Stock Market Challenge,” allowing students to engage in simulated trading. Participants had one hour to manage fictional investment portfolios, with each minute representing a day in the real stock market. The exercise included breaking news events that could influence trading decisions.
Ryan Rogowski, a marketing teacher at East High School, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “It should be two months of actual, real-life stock market challenges,” he stated. Students were required to adapt their strategies based on the simulated news events introduced throughout the trading period.
This event highlights a growing recognition of the need for financial education within schools. For many students like East High seniors Harrison Auger and Blake Elliott, the challenge addresses a gap in traditional education. “I think it’s something that’s skipped over a lot in school and general education,” Auger remarked.
As Colorado’s House Bill 25-1192 prepares to mandate financial literacy coursework for all high school graduates starting in 2027, DPS is proactively enhancing its curriculum. The district is implementing dedicated personal finance classes for juniors, which cover essential topics, including budgeting, credit, investing, insurance, and taxes.
Jason Klimczak, a teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School, commented on the district’s initiative: “DPS was kind of a little bit ahead of the curve when it came to requiring personal finance.” He noted that the students are responding positively to the curriculum, with many expressing appreciation for the practical knowledge they are gaining.
Parents have also taken notice of these educational advancements. Klimczak shared that many remark, “Oh, we never had that in school,” or express a wish for such classes during their own education. “It’s really cool to kind of start rolling it out and kind of being at the front of all this,” he added.
The simulated stock market event also serves to inspire students who are considering careers in finance. Rogowski remarked, “For those who are looking at that as a career path, having more to pursue and kind of more to interact with” helps solidify their aspirations.
Elliott, a member of East High’s Investment Club, highlighted the club’s efforts to prepare students for the upcoming mandate. “That was sort of the point with Investment Club, is to get ahead of that,” he noted, emphasizing the value of integrating financial education into their studies.
As Denver Public Schools continues to prioritize financial literacy, these initiatives mark a significant step toward equipping students with the skills necessary for their future financial well-being. With the impending state mandate, the district is not only preparing its students for graduation but also fostering a generation that is more informed and financially savvy.
