Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) visited Canyon Hills Junior High School of Chino Hills, where students are participating in the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Foundation 12th Annual Stock Market Game Capitol Hill Challenge.

This 14-week challenge organizes teams of students by congressional district who are investing a hypothetical $100,000 in listed stocks, bonds, and mutual funds and learning the value of saving, investing, and the capital markets as they work together to maximize the return of their portfolios. The national top 10 teams will be recognized at an awards reception in Washington, D.C., this summer.

"It's never too early to impart the value of saving for a rainy day or retirement to the next generation, and it's safe to say the students of Canyon Hills Junior High are a step ahead of the game," said Rep. Royce. "Teaching financial literacy in our schools ensures that young people will go on to make responsible borrowing decisions, maximize their earning potential, and be well-prepared for their future."

“For over a decade, the Capitol Hill Challenge Stock Market Game has helped students from around the country grow and learn about financial literacy,” said Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., SIFMA President & CEO. “Our industry is committed to giving students the necessary tools to build a solid foundation of information regarding investing and saving, so they can one day achieve their financial goals. I’d like to give special thanks to lawmakers like Representative Royce who are making personal visits to engage students on these important issues.”

“We thank Congress for its second year of unanimous support of youth financial education through 100% participation in SIFMA Foundation’s Capitol Hill Challenge program, proven to enhance students’ math and economics test scores and students’ and teachers’ personal financial behavior,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “And we commend the personal commitment of Congressman Royce for visiting his Capitol Hill Challenge students and teachers to bring learning to life.”

Photographs of Rep. Royce's visit to Canyon Hills Junior High School in Chino Hills can be viewed here.