THE KURT THOMAS INVESTMENT CHALLENGE

Program Description

The Kurt Thomas Investment Challenge, the flagship educational program of the foundation, was developed in response to the high rate of financial illiteracy among American students, as well as their low performance in mathematics, a fundamental academic area for financial literacy. This educational program is based on the Stock Market Game™ developed by The Securities Industry Foundation for Economic Education to achieve the following two goals:

• To foster among students a better understanding of the American economic system
• To provide students with the tools that they need to thrive in the 21st century while simultaneously enhancing basic academic skills such as math, reading and writing

The Stock Market Game is correlated to national educational standards in mathematics, economics, and business. The skills and principles learned by students have immediate benefit in promoting their interest and skills in mathematics, technology, and finance. They also make an impact on their future life success in developing financial and economic security. It is critical that students, especially those who are poor and underrepresented in these areas, understand how they can be connected to the global economy. For many students, the Kurt Thomas Investment Challenge has served as a key mechanism for such engagement and understanding. In tandem with students' participation in the Stock Market Game™, the Kurt Thomas Investment Challenge provides students with professional development activities such as Internships at

Financial Institutions on Wall Street, College Scholarships, Workshops on Careers in the Financial Market, and Field Trips to the New York Stock Exchange and Financial Institutions.

Accomplishments and Future Directions

Since the inception of the Kurt Thomas Investment Challenge in 2000, over 1600 students in 13 schools in New York have participated in the Stock Market Game™ and professional development tours and workshops on Wall Street. To enhance their financial education gained through participation in the Stock Market Game™, the Kurt Thomas Investment Challenge has provided 13 students with internships from Merrill Lynch and the Security Industry Foundation. In addition, 20 students have received a Kurt Thomas College Scholarship.

But there's so much more we can do.

Initially, we would like to expand the program to Texas, Washington D.C., and Georgia, as well as increase the number of participants in New York. We are also seeking to establish partnerships with financial corporations to increase the number of internships offered to students. An increased number of Kurt Thomas College Scholarships are also planned.

REBOUNDS FOR RESEARCH

In terms of the foundation's support for scientific research, this year it launched The Rebounds For Research Project to support research and create awareness about Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disease that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. This genetic disease is linked to many developmental abnormalities among children and adolescents including learning disabilities among children and adolescents. During the NBA season, Kurt Thomas donates to the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation for every rebound he makes.