HANDS-ON INVESTING IN STUDENTS
AND FINANCIAL EDUCATION
When we say we are invested in education, we stand by our words. Our Student Investment Program offers students a firsthand experience in the areas of finance, portfolio management, stock research and leadership. Each year since 1985, we have given $50,000 to college and university student teams to invest in the stock market, for a $1 million annual commitment. The students make investing decisions with the guidance of a local D.A. Davidson financial advisor, and manage the portfolio for a full year, allowing for a longer-term perspective on investing that we believe amounts to a lasting education.
The Student Investment Program also offers a lesson in profit sharing. As part of our commitment to the institutions involved, D.A. Davidson absorbs any portfolio losses and the colleges earn half of their team’s portfolio gains above 5 percent. In a year of strong returns like 2017, that amounted to significant donations to several of the 20 schools in the program. In the 23 years since D.A. Davidson began sharing program profits, the company has donated $552,900 to participating institutions.
While the payout is a nice bonus for the schools, we believe the program’s real value lies in its hands-on approach. For those who aspire to a career in financial services, a chance to test their investing mettle can be priceless.