Montana Council of Economic Education (MCEE)

Montana High School Students Compete in Annual Business Simulation

The Montana Council on Economic Education, a partner program with the Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, recently recognized student teams from Montana high schools for their success in an annual business simulation game designed to promote financial literacy and business sense.

The Big Sky Biz Sim by First Interstate Bank, which began in early February, is an in-class business simulation in which students make operating decisions for a business they devise to produce, sell and distribute “widgets.” Those decisions impact the theoretical stock market prices of their businesses, which are then compared to teams across the state at the end of each week.

Since the first Biz Sim in 2000 — then called the High School Business Challenge — more than 24,000 students have participated, according to MCEE Executive Director Dax Schieffer. This year, 34 teams participated, making up 386 student teams.

“We’re pleased to work with our sponsors to offer this engaging simulation to Montana’s youth who apply lessons in decision making, teamwork, communication and critical thinking in running a business for eight weeks,” Schieffer said. “We’re developing the professional business skills that employers are asking for to meet the significant workforce needs our state will face in the coming years. The investments MCEE is making today will pay dividends tomorrow for Montana’s economy.”

The top five teams qualifying for cash prizes were from Sidney High School, taught by Russ Biniek. Each student team came up with a name for their fictional company.

1. Innova – Emma Lund, Braylon DiFonzo, Vistor Piedra
2. Flight of the Widgets – Pichit Charoenpanich, Kassadee Olson, Isaac Quiroz
3. Widgetback – Garrett Dodds, Taylor Stewart
4. Sysygy – Jade Emly, Matthew Hansen
5. Widgetzilla – Corben Holler, Gariella Juarez, Amavia Kim

Montana Students Compete in Semiannual Stock Market Game

More than 250 students representing 29 Montana schools participated in the MCEE Stock Market Game this spring, competing for cash prizes awarded to teams that generate the highest portfolio value over nine weeks.

The competition applies experiential learning with a simulated $100,000 starting position to research and purchase stock and bonds applied to real market conditions.

Team fees and prize money were provided by Glacier Bancorp and its family of six Montana Banks: First Security Bank - Gallatin Valley, Western Security Bank - Billings, Valley Bank of Helena, First Security Bank of Missoula, Glacier Bank and First Bank of Montana - Lewistown and North Central Montana.

Spring 2021 Results:

• First: Great Falls High School, $115,047.70
• Second: Washington Middle School, Glendive $115,040.94
• Third: Noxon High School, $111,760.32
•  Fourth: Roundup High School, $109,580.72
• Fifth: Laurel High School, $108,492.44

MCEE Holds Teacher Training Seminar to Boost Student Economic Literacy

Montana Council on Economic Education hosted high school teachers from around the state for a two-day seminar in July. The seminar was designed to improve classroom skills in delivering economic fundamentals to Montana students through teacher workshops instructed by economists.

MCEE extends its thanks to the MSU Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics for supporting this professional development opportunity, and to professors Joe Atwood, Diane Charlton, and Myles Watts. A teacher celebration dinner and cost of materials, mileage and lodging, were made possible with support from First Security Bank, Bozeman.

MCEE's mission is to improve economic and financial literacy for Montana youth. The most effective way to do this is to support teachers who directly impact students in the classroom. We look forward to future partnerships with MSU to provide teacher trainings. Contact Dax Schieffer, MCEE director, at [email protected] to support or volunteer for this initiative.