The University of Maine at Presque Isle welcomes area high school students to campus today, Wednesday, Feb. 13, for the Junior Achievement of Maine–Titan Challenge event, which allows participants to compete against their peers across the state on business finance and marketing exercises. This is UMPI’s second year hosting the event, which is being held in the Campus Center.
“We’re so excited to be hosting the Junior Achievement of Maine–Titan Challenge again this year,” Carolyn Dorsey, UMPI Assistant Professor of Business Management, said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to help students prepare for future careers in business-related fields and to get exposure not only to a college setting but also to some major business leaders in the state.”
Fifteen 3-student teams are expected to attend this event, with about 20 local business leaders on site acting as mentors throughout the process. The day’s activities begin with registration at 8:15 a.m. Several dignitaries will be on hand for the welcome at 8:40 a.m., including Michael Stone, Junior Achievement of Maine President; Dan Rodrigues, Senior Vice President of Sales at EcoMedia; Chris Hackworth, Director of Sales for Travelers, Northern New England; and UMPI President Linda Schott.
During the day, students will take part in sessions covering everything from price and production to marketing and research and development to capital investment and charitable giving. They also will participate in preparation simulations and then four rounds of competition, teleconferencing live with their business-focused peers across the state. While on campus, students will have the opportunity to learn more about college life, enjoying campus tours and lunch in Kelley Commons.
A special highlight of the day’s activities include special guest speakers from the Aroostook County and statewide business communities—Matthew Bell, President and CEO of Northeast Pellets, LLC, and Robert Moore, Chairman and CEO of Dead River Company. Activities end with the presentation of statewide awards. The Titan Challenge is expected to wrap up by 3 p.m.
According to its website, Junior Achievement programs help to prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action, and help strengthen their communities. JA in Maine has taught nearly 9,000 students throughout the state. In partnership with local businesses and educators, JA brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential and preparing them for the world of work. For more information about Junior Achievement, visit http://jamaine.org/programs/titan-challenge/.
For more information about this event, contact UMPI’s Community and Media Relations Office at 768-9452.
