SHERMAN, TEXAS - A group of Austin college students are taking a unique approach in learning about the world of investment.

Instead of classrooms and chalkboards, Zak Kerfai and his classmates use this high tech interactive space to go beyond the textbook into the world of investing.

They use their research to find various stocks to invest real money, given by an Austin College grad, into the Williams Student investment fund. After long hours of studying, researching, a few friendly debates and a lot of patience, the student investors reached a record high.

"Right now we're over a million dollars and that's because the stock we picked have had a good return," said Asil Yassin.

They attribute their success to taking an approach of picking star companies and not just investing in the flavor of the month.

"We're trying to pick stocks that hold in the long run, we're not trying to buy a stock and sell it in two months, we're looking for stocks that will do really well in the sector and beat its competitors," said Yassin.

The group owns stock in companies like Google, Goldman Sachs, GE and Proctor & Gamble. They started with a million dollars three years ago. Today they fund is worth almost $1.1-million and they say their performance has even matched some of the big name investors.

"Generally we under perform when they market is going up and over perform when the market is going down, so we're trying to preserve capital," said Dr. David Griffith.

That money not only goes into the market, but will also be invested in the futures of Austin college students.

"Our eventual plan is to take that money out for scholarships and it will be invested into students rather than just the stock market," said Griffith.

For more information visit: http://bulletin.austincollege.edu/184/economics-business-administration/#ba