The stock market has gotten off to a good start in 2012, and 1,887 students participating this spring in the Hawaii Stock Market Simulation program are hoping to share in the success.

The 10-week program began Feb. 13, with teams of two to four students from grades 3 through 12 picking investments in their hypothetical $100,000 portfolios. The primary goal of the Hawaii Stock Market Simulation, which ends April 20, is to teach healthy investing practices.

The program is administered by the Hawaii Council on Economic Education.

There are 680 teams and 39 teachers participating from 29 schools and organizations across the state, including Oahu, Hawaii island, Kauai, Maui and Lanai. Registration remains open for new teachers who still want to sign up.

"We’re very exited that there is, again, an opportunity for Hawaii’s students and teachers to participate in the Hawaii Stock Market Simulation,” said Toni Takeno, executive director of HCEE. “The simulation teaches students smart, thoughtful and sound investing principles in a fun, interactive manner. It’s inspiring to see students take such an active interest in managing their portfolios."

The Stock Market Simulation program started in Hawaii in the fall of 2000 with 183 students and has grown steadily.

Students can participate in four categories:

>> The aggressive division requires that portfolios contain 80 percent stocks and 20 percent bonds.

>> The growth-division portfolio must contain 65 percent stocks and 35 percent bonds.

>> The income/growth division requires 50 percent stocks and 50 percent bonds.

>> The elementary division does not have to contain bonds.

The first- and second-place team members at the end of the 10-week period receive $100 and $50 savings bonds, respectively.

The program is run in partnership with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of the Securities Commissioner.