We are proud to celebrate the successful first year of the Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana Stock Market Program. This innovative initiative offered students from St. John the Baptist, Notre Dame, and St. Mary Catholic Community School a valuable introduction to the world of investing and financial literacy. The program is modeled after the Big Shoulders Fund Stock Market Program in Chicago, which has been offering a dynamic, hands-on learning experience to students for nearly 20 years.
A major highlight was the Capstone event held at the Harris Theater in Chicago for all Chicago and Northwest Indiana participants. Students took part in a mock investors’ meeting with executive-level professionals and heard from a panel of finance experts who shared insights about their careers.
The program’s success was made possible through the generous support and dedication of volunteer financial services professionals. Karen Kennedy of Kennedy Mazda, Dr. Amy McCormack of Calumet College of St. Joseph, Jesse Hunt and Daniel Rodriguez of Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, Tim Scannell of Hightower Great Lakes and Curt Bowers of Wintrust Indiana each brought their expertise and enthusiasm into the classroom. They not only taught students the fundamentals of saving and investing but also opened their eyes to a range of potential careers in finance - planting seeds for futures filled with opportunity. Jesse Hunt shared, “It’s been incredible to see how excited and engaged the students have been throughout the program. They’re not only asking insightful questions and actively participating, but they’re also truly enjoying the experience.”
We look forward to building on this momentum and expanding the program to reach even more students in the years ahead.
