Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Investment Challenge?
The Investment Challenge allows teams of students to manage stock portfolios for TVA. They gain real-world investment experience and compete for prizes awarded by TVA on the basis of their schools’ portfolio performance. The program is one way TVA invests in the communities it serves and supports the education of the region’s future leaders.
Does TVA dictate how the Investment Challenge teams invest the money?
To support the student teams of investors, TVA utilizes the expertise of some of its most experienced financial analysts, who provide guidance and resources. TVA representatives visit the classroom to discuss the logic and strategies behind the students’ portfolio management decisions and offer constructive feedback. Check out the Guidelines for more info.
Where does the money for the investments come from?
The money comes from TVA’s Asset Retirement Trust Fund, established in 1996 to meet the financial obligations of decommissioning the agency’s non-nuclear power units. The Investment Challenge is part of a larger strategy to diversify the financial management of the Trust Fund.
How much money did TVA allocate to the Investment Challenge teams?
Originally, 19 universities received investment funds of $100,000 apiece, for a total of $1.9 million. The program has expanded to include 24 universities, and the funds total approximately $10 million.