Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

About the Program

The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is a free investment challenge for high school students and teachers. Teams of four to six students work with an advisor, research a client case study and develop an investment strategy using a virtual portfolio. School-based teams use a teacher/educator from their school. Approved homeschool teams use a parent advisor, and homeschooled students may also join a school team within their local district. The rules require approval before registering an all-homeschool team; the FAQ requires documentation of its community, co-op or online-school structure. Homeschooled semifinalists must supply the specified homeschooling documentation. Teams are judged on the quality and explanation of their strategy rather than portfolio growth.

For 2026–2027, registration is officially closed. The initial competition runs September 28–December 4, 2026, with four required deliverables: official roster, Trading Notes Analysis, Investment Policy Statement and final report with school documentation. Materials and submissions use SurveyMonkey Apply, and trading uses WInS. The top 50 teams advance to virtual semifinals; the top 10 reach the Learning Day and Global Finale in Philadelphia on April 29–30, 2027. Finale travel and lodging are participant expenses, with a virtual option available. The next application cycle is unannounced.

Checked November 4, 2026 using the official timeline, current rules and competition FAQ.

Eligibility

For 2026–2027, teams must maintain four to six students. School-enrolled members and their teacher/educator advisor must share the same high school or campus. Homeschooled and privately tutored students working toward a high school diploma, GED or equivalent are eligible; an all-homeschool team needs approval before registration and a parent advisor; a homeschooled student may join a school-based team within their local school district. Homeschool teams must document their community, co-op or online-school structure for review; homeschooled semifinalists need the specified homeschooling documentation. The student team leader must be at least 16 at the September 28, 2026 start. Participants must not already have earned a high school diploma before the competition begins. Winners are evaluated on their investment strategy and its explanation rather than portfolio returns. High school students (9th to 12th grade). High school students (9th to 12th grade).

Eligible Countries

How to Apply

The advisor registers the team (a school teacher/educator for school-based teams, or a parent for an approved homeschool team); students may not register themselves. Registration for 2026–2027 opened August 10 and closed September 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET and is now officially closed. Registered team leaders receive materials and submit deliverables through SurveyMonkey Apply; trading uses the Wharton Investment Simulator (WInS). Required deliverables are the official roster, Trading Notes Analysis, Investment Policy Statement and final report with school documentation.