Championship guide · Investing · Grades 9–12
Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
A free, team-based investing challenge run by the Wharton Global Youth Program. Teams manage a simulated portfolio for a client and are judged on the quality of their strategy, research and communication, not on returns.
- Free to enter
- Teams of 4–6 with a teacher advisor
- Global Finale in Philadelphia
Informational webinar from the Wharton Global Youth Program's YouTube channel, recorded for the 2020–21 season. The format has evolved since, so check the official site for current rules.
About the championship
What students actually do
Each team is given a client case and a virtual portfolio on a trading platform. Over the autumn, students research companies, trade, write trading notes and build an Investment Policy Statement that explains how their choices serve the client's goals.
Wharton states that judging rewards strategy quality, alignment with the client's goals, research and communication. Portfolio performance alone does not decide the winner, which makes this an unusually good competition for thoughtful students rather than lucky ones.
Key facts
The 2026–27 season at a glance
Registration for 2026–27 closed on 11 September 2026. Use this timetable to plan for the 2027–28 season.
Source: Wharton Global Youth Program, checked 30 October 2026. Deadlines are 5:00 PM US Eastern Time.
Preparation with IFA
How we help a team get ready
Preparation starts well before sign-ups open, so students arrive knowing how to research, reason and write like analysts.
Investing foundations
Shares, funds, diversification, risk and return, explained from first principles.
Company research
Reading financial statements and building a short, defensible case for each holding.
The written work
Practice trading notes and an Investment Policy Statement, with feedback from our coaches.
Teamwork and presenting
Clear roles, steady deadlines and practice presentations in case of a semifinal place.
Not sure this is the right competition?
In a free 30-minute Readiness Assessment, a founder meets your child and you, and sends a written plan within 24 hours. If another competition, or none yet, is a better fit, we will say so.
Questions
What parents ask about Wharton
Can my child still enter the 2026–27 competition?
Does my child need a team and a teacher?
Is it about picking the best-performing shares?
Is IFA connected to Wharton?
International Finance Academy is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania or the Wharton Global Youth Program. Competition names are used only to describe the events we help students prepare for.