YSIC 2026
Youth Sustainable Investment Challenge™ 2026
A global youth investment challenge organized by YEFA, focused on real-world investment decision-making, ESG awareness, financial literacy, and strategic execution.
Vision
Raise ESG Awareness and Financial Literacy
YSIC is global, professionally judged, ESG-centered, and inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025, YSIC attracted 181 teams and 442 participants from 12 countries and regions, including the United States, China, Canada, Singapore, India, and the UAE.
About
Real-Market Investment Practice
During the competition, teams independently develop investment strategies, manage asset allocation and risk, and execute complete portfolios.
YSIC uses StockTrak, a professional simulated trading platform also used by competitions such as Wharton and DECA, creating a realistic and professional competition environment.
Portfolio Strategy
Build a thoughtful portfolio and manage allocation, risk, and stock selection.
ESG Analysis
Include ESG and social-impact thinking throughout the investment process.
Strategic Execution
Show clear reasoning, discipline, and communication in reports and presentations.
Global Pitch
Top finalists present investment and impact strategies to Wall Street judges.
Structure
Competition Structure & Rules
YSIC 2026 has three major stages: portfolio construction, investment strategy reporting, and a final global online pitch.
Round 1 — Portfolio Construction
June 29 – September 4, 2026
- Build a $1,000,000 virtual portfolio using StockTrak
- Mid-term check on July 29
- Minimum 2 trades, at least 1 ESG stock, and cash allocation ≤ 20%
- Top 60 teams advance on September 5
Round 2 — Investment Strategy Report
September 6 – September 15, 2026
- Submit a 1000-word investment strategy report
- Include ESG and social impact analysis
- Top 30 announcement and Top 10 finalist advancement on September 15
Final Round — Global Online Pitch
September 26, 2026
- 8-minute portfolio and investment strategy presentation
- 2-minute ESG/social impact initiative proposal
- 5-minute Q&A with judges
- Winners selected by the Wall Street judging panel
Communication: participants should join the official Discord server where competition announcements and communication occur.
Join Discord.
Benefits
What YSIC Offers
Improve Finance Skills
Students gain practical experience and learn financial industry knowledge through simulation, seminars, and study materials.
Trading Exposure
Participants place stock trades in a web-based simulation platform using real-time US market data.
Communication & Time Management
Students practice planning, collaboration, reporting, and strategic communication under competition deadlines.
College Application Enhancement
YEFA provides learning opportunities and invites industry professionals to share insights on investment, finance, college, and careers.
Timeline
2026 Competition Timeline
June 28, 2026
Registration & Team Formation
Teams of 1–4 members form, join Discord, and complete StockTrak setup.
June 29, 2026
Round 1 Begins
Teams begin portfolio construction and trading on StockTrak.
July 29, 2026
Midpoint Check
Minimum 2 trades, at least 1 ESG stock, and cash allocation of 20% or less.
September 5, 2026
Top 60 Announcement
Top 60 teams advance after Round 1 portfolio construction.
September 15, 2026
Top 30 & Top 10 Announcement
Top 30 teams are announced, and Top 10 teams advance to the final round.
September 26, 2026
Final Competition & Global Online Pitch
Finalists present portfolio strategy and ESG/social impact proposals to judges.
Awards
YSIC Awards & Recognition
Top winners, semi-finalists, and all participants receive recognition and opportunities.
1st Place
$500
2nd Place
$300
3rd Place
$200
Top 3 Benefits
Recommendation letter plus SCISS Elite Summer Program benefit valued at $5,500.
All Participants
Youth Sustainable Investor Certificate plus ESG research tools and resources.
Semi-Finalists & Champion
Semi-finalist certificate, networking opportunities with Wall Street professionals, media exposure, YEFA Annual Impact Report feature, and priority internship opportunities for the champion.
Judges
Final Pitch to Wall Street Judges
Finalists pitch their investment and impact strategies to distinguished Wall Street judges, competing for prizes and unique professional opportunities.
Final Evaluation
- Investment strategy and portfolio analysis
- ESG/social impact initiative proposal
- Presentation quality and clarity
- Innovation and strategic thinking
- Q&A performance with judges
Sign Up
Join YSIC 2026
Complete both registrations: the YSIC Jotform and the StockTrak setup.