Business Challenge

On March 10th, 2020, we hosted our Tenth Annual High School Business Challenge at Quinnipiac University. High school students from Ansonia, Derby, Fairfield Ludlowe, Fairfield Warde, Monroe, Shelton, Seymour, Stratford, and Trumbull participated either in person or online. This year, Stratford High School took the first-place spot. Our second-place winners were from Ansonia High School, and Shelton High School won the consolation bracket.

The JA Business Challenge places high school students in the CEO’s seat. Student teams strategize to operate the most successful virtual business as they develop skills in teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking. Success depends on how well they manage their company’s key decisions, and the students are challenged to outperform the competition in profit, sales, and market share.

Students, educators, board members, and community partners started their day in a breakfast, networking, and business etiquette session, led by Jill Koehler, Associate Dean for Career Development and Adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac University. After the competition, students had the opportunity to create their own business with help from representatives from Microsoft. This activity encouraged the students to work with their peers to propose an idea for a new product or service and craft an entire business plan within a limited time frame. These activities reinforce the entrepreneurial spirit found within all JA activities.

Many thanks to our sponsors for their continued support and helping bring these unique experiences to the students in our area.