How SimpleMarkets Works

Learn how our platform connects students with volunteer tutors to provide free financial literacy education.

The SimpleMarkets Process

Our platform makes it easy to connect students with tutors for free financial literacy education.

For Students

1.Register for a free account as a student
2.Browse available tutoring sessions by topic, date, or tutor
3.Sign up for sessions that interest you
4.Attend virtual sessions and learn essential financial skills
5.Track your progress and continue learning with more sessions

For Tutors

1.Register for a free account as a tutor
2.Complete your profile with your expertise and background
3.Create tutoring sessions on financial topics you're knowledgeable about
4.Conduct virtual sessions with students who sign up
5.Earn verified community service hours for your volunteer work

Become a Tutor

For Organizations

1.Contact SimpleMarkets to discuss partnership opportunities
2.Set up a dedicated group for your organization's members
3.Customize financial literacy programs for your specific needs
4.Track participation and progress of your members
5.Receive reports on the impact of financial education

Platform Features

SimpleMarkets offers a range of features to enhance the learning experience for both students and tutors.

Virtual Classrooms

Our platform provides integrated virtual classrooms for tutoring sessions, complete with video conferencing, screen sharing, and interactive whiteboards.

Session Scheduling

Easily browse and sign up for upcoming sessions, or create and manage your own sessions as a tutor. Calendar integration helps you keep track of your schedule.

Resource Library

Access a growing library of financial literacy resources, including articles, videos, worksheets, and interactive tools to supplement your learning.

Progress Tracking

Students can track their learning journey and see their progress across different financial topics. Tutors can monitor their impact and service hours.

Service Recognition

Tutors receive verified documentation of their volunteer hours and can qualify for the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), which can be used for college applications, resumes, or professional development.

Feedback System

After each session, students can provide feedback to help tutors improve, and tutors can offer personalized recommendations for further learning.

Our 8-Week Programs

SimpleMarkets offers comprehensive 8-week programs in Financial Literacy and Financial Markets several times throughout the year. We teach money skills in a way that's simple and easy!

Financial Literacy Program

Week 1-2

Money Basics

• What is money and how does it work?
• Counting money and making change
• Saving your allowance
• Fun ways to track your money

Week 3-4

Saving & Goals

• Piggy banks vs. real banks
• Setting fun saving goals
• Wants vs. needs
• Saving for something special

Week 5-6

Spending Wisely

• Making a simple budget
• Smart shopping tips
• Comparing prices
• Avoiding impulse buys

Week 7-8

Earning & Sharing

• Ways kids can earn money
• The joy of giving
• Helping others with money
• Planning for the future

Money & Markets Program

Week 1-2

What Are Markets?

• What is a market? (like a store!)
• How people buy and sell things
• What is a stock? (owning part of a company)
• Companies you know that sell stocks

Week 3-4

Making Good Choices

• How to pick good companies
• What makes a company successful
• Reading simple charts
• Is this company worth my money?

Week 5-6

Don't Put All Eggs in One Basket

• Why you should buy different things
• Spreading out your money
• What happens if one investment fails
• Making a pretend investment portfolio

Week 7-8

Fun Money Projects

• Create your own pretend business
• Money around the world
• Playing stock market games
• Sharing what you've learned

Each program runs for 8 weeks with fun weekly sessions. We use games, activities, and simple examples that middle school students can easily understand. Join anytime during the year!

Additional Topics

We also have fun special sessions on these cool money topics that middle school students love!

Kid Business Ideas

• Lemonade stands & bake sales
• Making crafts to sell
• Planning your first business
• How to advertise your ideas

Houses & Homes

• How families buy houses
• What makes a house cost more
• Saving for your dream home
• Building a model dream house

Smart Shopping

• Finding the best deals
• Spotting tricks in ads
• Making a shopping list
• When to save vs. when to spend

Digital Money

• Money in video games
• How to pay for things online
• Staying safe online
• Cool money apps for kids

President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)

SimpleMarkets is proud to be a Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award.

About the PVSA

The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a prestigious recognition established in 2003 to honor Americans who demonstrate a commitment to volunteer service.

This award recognizes individuals whose service positively impacts communities and inspires others to take action. As a Certifying Organization, SimpleMarkets can verify volunteer hours and nominate tutors for this award based on their service.

By volunteering as a tutor with SimpleMarkets, you're not only helping students gain essential financial knowledge but also working toward earning this nationally recognized award.

Award Recognition

Recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award receive:

A personalized certificate of achievement
An official letter from the President of the United States
A commemorative pin, medallion, or coin
A congratulatory letter from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation

These recognitions are valuable additions to college applications, resumes, and professional portfolios, demonstrating your commitment to community service and leadership.

Hour Requirements by Age Group

Age Group	Bronze	Silver	Gold	Lifetime Achievement
Kids (5-10 years)	26-49 hours	50-74 hours	75+ hours	4,000+ hours
Teens (11-15 years)	50-74 hours	75-99 hours	100+ hours	4,000+ hours
Young Adults (16-25 years)	100-174 hours	175-249 hours	250+ hours	4,000+ hours
Adults (26+ years)	100-249 hours	250-499 hours	500+ hours	4,000+ hours

Hours must be completed within a 12-month period to qualify for the award.

How to Earn the PVSA with SimpleMarkets

Register as a Tutor

Create an account on SimpleMarkets and complete your tutor profile with your areas of expertise in financial literacy.

Volunteer as a Tutor

Create and conduct tutoring sessions on financial literacy topics. Each session you complete counts toward your volunteer hours.

Track Your Hours

SimpleMarkets automatically tracks your tutoring hours, including preparation time, session time, and follow-up activities.

Reach Hour Milestones

Continue volunteering until you reach the required hours for your age group and desired award level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold).

Apply for the Award

Once you've reached the required hours, SimpleMarkets will help you apply for the PVSA through our certification process.

Receive Recognition

After verification, you'll receive your PVSA certificate, presidential letter, and commemorative item to recognize your service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about SimpleMarkets.

Ready to Get Started?

Join SimpleMarkets today and take the first step towards financial literacy.