On April 24th, sixty students from fifteen different high schools in the Western Connecticut region competed against each other in the High School Business Challenge using Junior Achievement of Western CT's Titan® program, a virtual business simulation. Students felt the pressure of being in the CEO’s seat while tasked to make important business decisions that could make or break their virtual businesses. Throughout this rigorous competition, students developed skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork, while learning about important business concepts like business management, research and development, production, and marketing.
Facing some tough competition, students from Fairfield Ludlowe High School finished in first place, with each student winning a $1,000 scholarship. Fairfield Ludlowe's winning Business Challenge team members included Brandon Corrales, Delia Murphy, Sydney Sims, Grant Caremark.
Ridgefield High School placed second, winning $500 each, and students from Stratford High School placed first in the consolation bracket. The original date for the competition was canceled due to inclement, weather; however, rescheduling offered JA the opportunity to test for the first time the competition in a virtual format, something the organization has been wanting to do in order to increase student participation.
“The Junior Achievement Titan® program exemplifies the work that our organization does with young people in our community: providing interactive programs and experiences that teach practical lessons in business, financial literacy, and work readiness while fostering the growth of soft skills,” said Bernadine Venditto, President of Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut.
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.6 million students per year in 113 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.6 million students served by operations in 118 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut was founded in 1947, and reaches over 22,500 on an annual basis throughout the Greater Danbury, Bridgeport, and Valley areas. Visit www.jawct.org for more information.