100 Black Men LA Scholars Win Stock Market Competition
The 100 Black Men of Los Angeles proudly celebrates the fifth year of its Young Black Scholars Junior Investment Program, sponsored by Wells Fargo and the SIFMA Foundation, with three Brentwood School students earning first place in the national Stock Market Simulation competition.
Designed to build financial literacy and long-term wealth-building skills, the Junior Investment Program educates students on investing fundamentals, the stock market, emergency savings, and the importance of early participation in investment accounts. This year, sixty students participated in a rigorous four-month Stock Market Simulation Game, investing a simulated $100,000 portfolio in teams while competing locally and against more than 500 students nationwide.
Last year, between January 19 and April 22, students were evaluated on their ability to strategically grow their portfolios. Local prizes were awarded to the top three teams, with first, second, and third place earning $1,500, $750, and $500 respectively. Additional program support was provided by Los Angeles Capital Management and Oaktree Capital.
Local Scholars Rise to the Top
Kaelyn Williams (12th grade, Brentwood School), Morgan Williams (12th grade, Brentwood School), and Madison Williams (12th grade, Brentwood School) earned first place in the Los Angeles chapter competition after presenting their investment analysis and market insights to Los Angeles Capital Management and Oaktree Capital.
Advancing to the national level, the trio competed against more than 500 students across the country and were recognized as one of the top five teams nationwide. Their success earned them an invitation to the 100 Black Men of America National Conference in New Orleans.
At the national conference, Kaelyn, Morgan, and Madison presented their findings to Wells Fargo executives and ultimately secured first place in the national competition.
A National Stage and Industry Access
As part of their award, Wells Fargo hosted the students in New York City, where they:
- Attended the Opening Bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange
- Toured the Wells Fargo trading floor
- Met with senior leadership
- Participated in a career panel with Wells Fargo professionals
- Delivered remarks at the SIFMA Foundation Annual Gala, attended by more than 600 guests
Their achievement represents not only academic excellence but also a powerful demonstration of what intentional mentorship and access to opportunity can produce.
“The impact of the Junior Investment Program extends far beyond the classroom,” said Moses Harris, Junior Investment Program Manager and Lead Facilitator for 100 Black Men of Los Angeles. “We are creating a pipeline of financially literate, motivated, and socially conscious young leaders who are prepared to create opportunities for themselves and their communities and build their own financial wealth.”
“Congratulations to Kaelyn, Madison, and Morgan on this outstanding achievement,” said Kirk Williams, Chairman of the Board, and Olu Davis, President of 100 Black Men of Los Angeles. “Their success demonstrates what is possible when young people are equipped with opportunity, guidance, and belief in their potential. The Junior Investment Program continues to prepare our youth not only to compete—but to excel—on the highest stages.”
About 100 Black Men of Los Angeles
The 100 Black Men of Los Angeles is committed to improving the quality of life within the African American community through mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment initiatives that prepare youth for leadership and long-term success.
For more information about the Junior Investment Program or to support future programming, please visit 100bmla.net.
