Student Competitions
Many of our student competitions are aligned in part with one or more of the Arkansas Department of Education's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway courses and certain Career and Technical Student Organizations events. Look for the CTE logo below and click on the competition's title to learn more.
$10 Challenge
Grades 7-12
Do you have students who have an entrepreneurial mindset? Consider introducing them to the $10 Challenge. Students take $10 of their own money and launch a new business venture. Competing students submit a form tracking their finances throughout the competition. Winning students, and their teachers, receive cash prizes, certificates, and medallions. Students may enter the challenge at any time during the 2024-2025 school year.
The deadline for submitting entries is April 4, 2025
Arkansas Economics Challenge
Grades 9-12
The Arkansas Economics Challenge is a state-level competition for high school students consisting of three components: a testing portion, a writing submission, and team presentations. Competing students display their knowledge of micro and macroeconomics as well as the global economy. Teachers can register teams of 3-4 students who will compete against other teams from around the state. Winning teams receive cash prizes up to $500, scholarships, and the chance to move on to the later stages of the National Economics Challenge.
Arkansas Personal Finance Challenge
Grades 9-12
During the Arkansas Personal Finance Challenge, teams of 3-4 students review a fictitious case study of a family's financial situation, then collaborate and prepare a PowerPoint presentation of suggestions for the family. The top 3 finalists present their ideas to a panel of expert judges. Winning teams receive prize money, certificates, and medallions.
The first-place winning team will advance to the National Personal Finance Challenge which will be hosted in June 2024. Economics Arkansas will provide the 1st place team with $1,500 towards travel expenses to the competition. The National Personal Finance Challenge will provide rooms, meals and transportation to and from the event.
Register here.
Econ Games
Grades 4-5
Econ Games is a competitive event for elementary students consisting of three fast-paced rounds. Student teams apply their knowledge of economics and personal finance by creating and participating in an assembly line, taking a critical thinking test, and developing and presenting an idea that solves a real-world problem. Winning teams are selected by a panel of judges made up of local community leaders.
Spring 2025
Picturing Econ Art Competition
Grades K-8
We have heard the expression "a picture paints a thousand words." K-8 students are challenged to picture economics by illustrating their understanding of its concepts. Students (and their teachers) with the most creative pieces are awarded prize money with student artwork featured on various social media outlets.
All entries should be postmarked by Friday, December 20, 2024
Pitch It! Competition
Grades 7-12
Many are familiar with pitch competitions. This competition gives students a real-world application to classroom lessons as they pitch a new business idea before a panel of judges. Winning students receive cash prizes, certificates, and medallions. The portal is open to accept entries throughout the year.
The deadline for submitting entries is April 5, 2025.
Pitch 'N Punch
Grades 5-8
Pitch 'N Punch is a Shark Tank-inspired pitch competition designed for aspiring entrepreneurs entering grades 5th-8th to showcase their innovative business ideas or projects aimed at fostering positive change within our community. Winning students receive cash prizes!
The Stock Market Game™
Grades 4-12, College, Teacher
The Stock Market Game™ is a national program of the SIFMA Foundation that allows students and teachers the opportunity to invest a virtual $100,000 in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds over a semester or year-long session. Arkansas is divided into six regions and three divisions: Elementary (4-6th), Middle School (7-9th), and High School (10-12th). College and teacher divisions are statewide competitions.
Y.E.S. Competition
Grades 5-8
The Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase (Y.E.S.) is a business pitch competition for Arkansas 5th-8th grade students presented in partnership with Arkansas Capital Corporation. Y.E.S. gives students an opportunity to show their creative, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
A-STATE K-12 Student Competitions
The Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy at Arkansas State University hosts multiple events throughout the year for K-12 students. Bring your students to A-State's campus to participate in activities such as the Financial Wellness Quiz Bowl, Small Business Leadership Conference, and Red Wolves of Wall Street, among others.
View 2024-25 Event Dates here
Important Tax Information for Teachers:
Please be aware that IRS regulations require Economics Arkansas to provide a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC to persons who receive $600 in payments (stipends or prize money) or more in a calendar year. In order to provide this to the IRS, a current, complete W-9 must be on file with our office when the $600 threshold is being met. You agree to provide this form to our office if you reach this limit and understand you will not be paid any additional monies until the form is on file. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
