By Lexi MooreStudents at Hills-Beaver Creek High School joined BestPrep and more than 4,250 students in 100 schools around Minnesota for a third year to compete in The Stock Market Game‘ (SMG) this fall. H-BC social studies teacher Teri Richards is advising eight sophomore students as part of the social studies curriculum.BestPrep teaches economics and finance by teaming up with students in The Stock Market Game™ program. BestPrep, a Minnesota based non-profit, administers the program, which Richards said she believes in. "I chose the Stock Market Game because it is real-time, is very realistic, well-done and administered by BestPrep, and because the students really enjoy spending money. It is a great learning tool."Student teams participating in The Stock Market Game are given a virtual $100,000 to "invest" over a fourteen-week period. Teams receive daily portfolio updates on their current holdings, brokerage fees, interest, and team rankings. During that time, teachers incorporate the Game's supporting materials into their curriculum. The Game will end in December.New this year is the addition of mutual funds; students may now invest in mutual funds and stocks. Bonnie Vagasky, vice president of educational programs at BestPrep, said it’s good for students have access to this information at this stage of their lives. "Adding mutual funds to The Stock Market Game allows students to learn how mutual funds operate," Vagasky said. "Most Americans invest some of their retirement earnings in mutual funds, and now students can learn about this investment strategy through the program."