With its dual-screen monitors and advanced audio/visual systems, the Capital Markets Lab (CML) in the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU) enables students to build the competencies they need to successfully compete in the financial field.

Recently, the lab took on a greater role when it played host to a group of high school students from Christopher Columbus High School who are eager to learn about financial markets. Over the course of several Wednesday evenings, the group received instruction from intern Owen Lee on topics including financing sources and instruments.

“My approach was to start with the basics as they had little knowledge of how finance works,” Lee said.

CML Director Helen Simon, who developed the idea for the training, says it appears to be a “big hit” with the students.

Christopher Columbus student Kevin Casamayor agrees. He described the training as an “eye-opening experience” and an “incredible opportunity.”

“My classmates and I have learned so much already about the global markets,” Casamayor said.

Events validate CML’s potential as a learning center.

The training marks the first time CML has offered instruction to high school students, Lee said. Its success, he says, may lead to similar undertakings in the future.

“We are already talking about the potential for having the students come back next semester,” he said. “It definitely opens up ideas about other ways in which we might use the lab.”

Lee, who will graduate in December with a degree in finance, laments that he won’t be around to see what becomes of the training. However, he expresses gratitude for the chance to help launch a potentially pioneering effort within CML.

It has been really great working with the students,” he said. “They are very motivated to learn and I am proud to be their teacher.”