High School Students Run Virtual Companies at YSU

The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University and Junior Achievement of the Mahoning Valley will host the ninth annual JA Titan Business Challenge 8:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 8 in Williamson Hall at YSU. Ninety students from the Mahoning and Trumbull Counties will increase their understanding of running a business in a competitive, high-tech marketplace.

Thirty teams of students will use an interactive online business simulation called JA Titan that offers a unique way for local high school junior and senior students to learn what it takes to compete in the marketplace and to run a successful business. Each team acts as the senior management of their company and is responsible for developing business strategies and making decisions quarter by quarter.

Teams are paired with local business mentors for the first two rounds of the competition. They will compete for prizes — $500 for each student on the first place team, $250 for second place and $100 for third place.

JA students will determine the success or failure of their business based on how well they manage key issues such as setting prices, filling production requests, establishing marketing, investing in research and development, and capital equipment. Students analyze situations, apply information under time pressure, interpret and chart data, and build censuses. The online software developed by JA requires students to think critically, make decisions, solve mathematical problems, and work together as a team.

Keynote speaker, Michael Ross from Mainstream Leadership Network will address attendees during lunch. The competition will resume after lunch and an awards presentation will take place at 1 p.m. There is no cost for schools and students to participate and breakfast and lunch are provided.

This year’s participating high schools include Austintown Fitch High School, Cardinal Mooney High School, Champion High School, Choffin Career & Technical Center, Columbiana County Career & Technical Center, Grand Valley High School, Lordstown High School, Pymatuning Valley High School, Trumbull County Career & Technical Center and United Local High School.

As of February 27, event sponsors include the YSU Williamson College of Business Administration; William M. Neckerman Jr. Foundation; Home Savings Charitable Foundation; and Factset Revere. Also, team sponsors include Associated School Employees Credit Union; Cortland Bank; Better Business Bureau of Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties; and HBK CPAs and Consultants

For additional information, contact Christine Shelton, coordinator of external relations for the Williamson College of Business Administration at 330-941-3068.