When the Classroom Meets the Market: Citrus Students Visit Raymond James HQ

The most powerful learning often happens when classroom lessons meet the real world. Recently, 28 students from Citrus High School and Crystal River High School experienced exactly that during a remarkable visit to the headquarters of Raymond James Financial in St. Petersburg. The trip was part of the Nature Coast Investment Practicum (NCIP), an innovative program that brings real-world investing and financial literacy into Citrus County classrooms.

The students who participated are enrolled in Accounting 1 or Accounting 2 at Citrus High School, taught by Mr. Russell Wilson, and the entrepreneurship class at Crystal River High School, taught by Ms. Carol Dumas. Through the NCIP program, students do far more than learn about economics in theory. They actively research companies, track industries, and manage real investments through a student-run portfolio fund.

This unique opportunity exists through a partnership with the Citrus County Education Foundation, which helps ensure Citrus County students gain exposure to real-world career pathways and financial decision-making.

The success of the program is remarkable. Just six years ago, the student-managed Manatee Investment Fund (MIF) began with a modest $25,000 seed investment. Today, that fund has grown to exceed $1 million in total value. The growth reflects both market performance and the dedication of the students who carefully manage their share of the portfolio each year.

Unlike simulations used in many classrooms, the Manatee Investment Fund invests real money in actual financial markets. Students operate within strict guidelines designed to teach discipline and diversification. At least 98 percent of their portfolio must remain invested in the market, and no more than five percent can be placed in a single stock. In addition, every company they invest in must be rated a “buy” according to research from Edward Jones. If that rating changes to “hold” or “sell,” students must evaluate the position and move their investment elsewhere.

Each investment decision requires research and justification. Students must understand the company’s business model, analyze financial metrics, and explain why they believe the stock will perform well. In doing so, they develop critical thinking skills that go far beyond a traditional classroom assignment.

The program was originally conceived by Scott Lee of Edward Jones in Inverness, whose goal was to provide students with authentic exposure to financial markets. The initiative has also been supported by Amy McLaughlin of Raymond James in Crystal River, who serves on the executive board of the Citrus County Education Foundation. Together, Lee and McLaughlin bring more than 50 years of industry experience to this local educational partnership.

McLaughlin helped arrange the behind-the-scenes experience at Raymond James headquarters, giving students an opportunity most people never get to see. They toured trading floors, operational centers, and the firm’s Cyber Threat Center. They also stepped inside the Chairman’s Board Room and met professionals responsible for investments, operations, security, and executive leadership.

The experience provided more than just a look at how financial markets operate. Students also learned about the wide range of careers within the financial industry, from analysts and cybersecurity specialists to portfolio managers and operations leaders.

One company that generated discussion during the visit was SpaceX. Raymond James professionals used the company as an example while explaining how private investments may eventually transition into publicly traded companies. These conversations helped students understand the journey many companies take from private investment to potential public offerings.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the day was the way Citrus County students demonstrated their knowledge. Each NCIP student follows not only an individual company but also a broader industry sector. When asked questions by Raymond James professionals, they confidently discussed valuation metrics, industry trends, and their own portfolio decisions.

Students talked about their buy and sell decisions with detailed explanations. They understood financial ratios, market trends, and the economic forces shaping the companies they follow. Several of the Raymond James presenters commented on how impressed they were with the level of preparation and knowledge these high school students displayed.

Lee reminded students that stock values ultimately reflect expectations about the future. Current events, economic shifts, and technological change all influence how investors evaluate companies.

Students also asked about the possibility of an artificial intelligence investment bubble. Lee noted that some technology stocks tied to AI may be priced with very high expectations, but he also acknowledged the enormous potential of the technology. Several Raymond James professionals explained that artificial intelligence is already helping them work more efficiently by improving research and analysis. Rather than replacing people, these tools are helping professionals perform their jobs with greater speed and accuracy.

McLaughlin shared her perspective when students asked about timing markets during bull and bear cycles. She explained that consistently predicting short-term market movements is extremely difficult. Investors may occasionally get lucky, but long-term success typically comes from focusing on fundamentals such as earnings growth, free cash flow, and strong business models.

Students also had the opportunity to spend time with Patrick O’Connor of Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group. A former basketball player at the University of Florida, O’Connor spoke about the human side of finance.

He explained that successful investing is not just about charts and data. Financial advisors must understand the personal stories behind their clients’ decisions. Family goals, retirement plans, charitable interests, and life events all shape how people approach investing. The most valuable role an advisor plays is helping clients navigate those decisions with confidence and discipline.

When students asked what industry would see the biggest change in the next decade, O’Connor did not hesitate. His answer was artificial intelligence. AI, he explained, is already improving client service and strengthening oversight of accounts and securities. Reviews that once required long manual processes can now be analyzed instantly. Raymond James invests roughly one billion dollars each year in technology to support both clients and employees.

For NCIP students, the visit connected classroom lessons with the real-world financial industry. They saw firsthand how investment decisions are analyzed, monitored, and implemented inside a major financial institution.

Experiences like this only happen because of strong community partnerships. Raymond James generously shared its time and expertise with local students. Teachers Russell Wilson and Carol Dumas continue to bring innovative financial education into their classrooms. Scott Lee’s vision created the foundation for the program, and Amy McLaughlin helped make this extraordinary day possible.

The program’s success also benefits students directly. Because the Manatee Investment Fund has grown so significantly, its earnings now help support scholarships for students. At the NCIP awards ceremony on April 2 at the College of Central Florida, more than $55,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students in the program.

What began with a $25,000 investment has grown into a million-dollar educational initiative that is preparing Citrus County students for careers in business, finance, and beyond. Just as importantly, it demonstrates what can happen when educators, community leaders, and industry professionals work together to give students meaningful real-world experiences.

The results speak for themselves, and the future for these students looks even brighter.

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