TVA investment challenge: an experiential learning program

Purpose The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) provided funds to 25 universities in its service region for the establishment of student-managed investment funds (SMIF). The purpose of this paper is to examine the TVA Investment Challenge Program and its implementation at The University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM). Design/methodology/approach Each university has the freedom to structure the process for students to manage its investment fund as it chooses. This paper provides a description of the overall Investment Challenge Program and the specific Program at UTM. Findings The Investment Challenge Program is a valuable experiential learning opportunity for finance majors at UTM. Participating students enhance their portfolio management knowledge, their written and oral communication skills, and their employment opportunities. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to TVA Portfolio guidelines and managerial style. Practical implications Faculty who supervise similar programs at other universities may be able to replicate some aspects of the program's design. Originality/value The paper describes the TVA Investment Challenge, a unique program of SMIF. TVA provided funds to 25 universities with the stipulation that the student managers adhere to the same guidelines as TVA's professional money managers. The university is a participant in the Program.