The Hawaii Stock Market Simulation program kicked off its spring campaign this week with 1,800 students testing their investment skills in school-supervised competition.

The interactive contest, which helps students learn how the U.S. market system works, has attracted nearly 650 teams representing 30 schools. The 10-week competition ends April 30. Students begin with a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio.

“;We're excited to offer Hawaii SMS to teacher and student participants across the state,”; said Kristine Castagnaro, executive director of the Hawaii Council on Economic Education.

“;The SMS is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to incorporate a hands-on activity that teaches their students about saving money, practical math skills, Internet research, the financial market system, U.S. history, or economic concepts. The skills that these kids learn now will serve them well through their investing lives.”;

Students, who are in grades 3 through 12, can participate in four categories. The aggressive division requires that portfolios contain 80 percent stocks and 20 percent bonds. The growth-division portfolio must contain 65 percent stocks and 35 percent bonds. The income/ growth division requires 50 percent stocks and 50 percent bonds. And the elementary division does not have to contain bonds.

For additional information and to register, go to www.hawaiisms.com.