Tag: economics

Contests, News/Accolades

The 2025 Econ and Finance Challenges Results

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Finance Challenge Finalists

Each year, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition, with support from the National Council for Economic Education, hosts two major statewide competitions: the Economics Challenge and the Iowa Personal Finance Challenge. These events offer students a platform to demonstrate their understanding of economic and financial literacy through competitive, interactive experiences. This year, both competitions were held at the Iowa State Research Park Economic Development Core Facility.

Economics Challenge – April 9

On April 9, students from across Iowa participated in the annual Economics Challenge. This online competition tested their knowledge of economic principles through a series of examinations. Participants competed against peers statewide, showcasing their academic skills and earning cash prizes, awards, and recognition for their achievements.

2025 Economics Challenge Finalists:

  • Adam Smith Division
    • West Senior High School (1st and 2nd)
    • Clarinda High School
  • David Ricardo Division
    • Montezuma High School (1st)
    • St. Ansgar High School (2nd)
    • Ankeny Centennial High School
    • Clarinda High School
  • Middle School Division
    • West Middle School
    • Anamosa Middle School
    • Clarinda Middle School
    • Montezuma Middle School

Personal Finance Challenge – April 16

A week later, on April 16, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition held the Iowa Personal Finance Challenge. This event brought together the top-performing high school teams from fall and spring regional competitions for a live state championship.

Teams were assigned fictional case studies and tasked with creating financial recommendations for their assigned client. Their presentations were evaluated by a panel of judges comprising economists, business leaders, and financial professionals.

2025 Personal Finance Challenge Finalists:

  • High School Division
    • Montezuma High School (1st)
    • Waukee Northwest High School (2nd)
    • Lake Mills High School (3rd)
    • Kingsley-Pierson High School
    • Clarinda High School
    • Bellevue High School
    • St. Ansgar High School
  • Middle School Division
    • Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School
    • Montezuma Middle School
    • West Middle School
    • Clarinda Middle School

These competitions continue to promote financial literacy and economic understanding among Iowa’s youth, equipping them with valuable skills for the future.

Economics Challenge Winners and Finalists
Challenges

Join the Quiz Bowl – Economics and Personal Finance Challenges are back!

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Attention Teachers!

Are you ready to bring some excitement into your classroom while helping your students sharpen their knowledge of Economics or Personal Finance? You still have a chance to join these Challenges – but hurry, the deadline to complete the steps is March 14, 2025!

Completing it is easy! Here’s how in less than 2 days:

  1. Register yourself for either the Personal Finance or Economics challenge and form student teams of up to 4 people while waiting for approval from the state coordinator. (takes up to 24 hours)
  2. Add your classroom teams on the official website and provide each student with their unique “access code.” (5 minutes)
  3. Let the students take the quiz through the “student access” button. (35 minutes)
  4. Check student scores and track their progress directly on the website. (see tutorial)

Why should you participate?

  • Pinpoint areas for improvement – Identify where your students excel and where they need extra support using their scores. Personal Finance Lessons and Economics Lessons are available to provide the students additional help.
  • State Finals Opportunity – If your team performs well, you’ll be invited to the State Finals, where you can network with other dedicated educators and high-achieving students as they compete for the top team.
  • Cash Prizes for the first and second place state winners!
  • National Finals Trip – Winning teams at the state level earn a travel expense-paid trip to the National Finals!
  • Recognition for Your School – State qualifying schools will be featured on the Iowa Jump$tart website, giving you and your students the recognition you deserve.

Still on the fence? Check out what other Iowa teachers and students are saying about this exciting opportunity!

Don’t miss this chance to engage your students in a fun, competitive learning experience while showcasing their skills on a bigger stage.

The challenges are sponsored by Iowa Jump$tart and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services.