Statewide challenge is a key experience in developing Maine’s workforce.
PORTLAND, ME - March 17, 2025 - Junior Achievement of Maine will host its 19th Annual JA Titan Challenge for high school students on Thursday, April 3rd. This immersive business competition introduces students to business, entrepreneurship, and leadership development by providing a real-world simulation that puts students in the CEO seat to run a cell phone company.
The challenge is part of the JA Titan Experience, which is a five-week program taught in the classroom by JA volunteers. It culminates into a single-day, statewide challenge hosted at businesses and universities throughout the state. Systems Engineering is one of eight host sites, uniting schools, students, and companies within Maine. As a tool to develop Maine’s workforce, the JA Titan Experience introduces students to career pathways and career clusters within specific industries within Maine.
On April 3rd, teams of students will compete against one another as they each make decisions for their cell phone company based on profit equation, predicting business outcomes, budgeting, research and development, corporate social responsibility, and more. Mentors from the community and within [company name] support students by sharing their own work and life experience, networking with students, and providing guidance during several rounds of competition.
“The Junior Achievement Titan Challenge is an incredible opportunity for Maine high school students to connect with local employers, gain valuable mentorship, and explore career paths right here in their own communities. At Systems Engineering, we are proud to once again serve as a host site and support this dynamic program, which not only energizes our employee-owners but also fosters the next generation of industry leaders. We believe that education is the foundation of a strong and thriving community, and through our partnership with Junior Achievement of Maine, we are committed to empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed,” said Jen Hughes, Director, People & Culture.
“The JA Titan Experience is an incredible tool to unite our education and business communities and showcase to our students the career opportunities that exist within Maine,” says JA Maine President and CEO, Michelle Anderson. “We know workforce development is paramount to our state, and we’re proud to bring this opportunity to both our education and business partners.”
The 2025 Challenge is the biggest to date and will match nearly 300 high school students with over 100 mentors from businesses and organizations across the state. There will be a regional winning team at each location and a 1st and 2nd place winning team. Members of the top two teams will receive scholarships for post-secondary education generously donated by Machias Savings Bank.
The event is hosted at eight locations from 8:15AM - 1:45PM on April 3:
- Tyler Technologies, Yarmouth
- Dead River Company, South Portland
- Systems Engineering, Portland
- IDEXX, Westbrook
- Bangor Savings Bank, Bangor
- Thomas College, Waterville
- Machias Savings Bank, Machias
- University of Maine, Presque Isle Campus
Maine’s workforce of tomorrow is sitting in classrooms, today. Junior Achievement is working to ensure students have the skill sets and mind sets to meet the opportunities that await them when they graduate. The JA Titan Experience is a key touchpoint for students, helping them bridge the gap between in-class learning and real-world experience. To learn more, visit https://maine.ja.org/events/titan-challenge, or contact Abby O’Connor, Development Coordinator, for more information.
About Systems Engineering
Founded in 1988, Systems Engineering is a 100% employee-owned, SOC 2, Type 2-certified IT strategy and managed technology services provider dedicated to providing clients with secure technology solutions that enable productivity. The company serves clients nationwide from its offices in Maine and New Hampshire. Systems Engineering's 190+ information technology professionals provide end-to-end planning and implementation services, including a full complement of managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud services. The New England-based team of network engineers, managed security professionals, project managers, compliance experts, and account managers are available 24×7, 365 days per year. Systems Engineering serves clients in professional services, banking and financial services, manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare, technology, and the nonprofit sector. For more information, contact us.
About Junior Achievement of Maine (JA Maine)
Junior Achievement of Maine is 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 learning experiences 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 and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA Maine reaches nearly 13,000 students across the state with the support of over 700 volunteers. For more information, visit www.jamaine.org.
