Milwaukee-Area Students Put Their Entrepreneurship Skills to the Test in Junior Achievement’s Annual JA Business Challenge

Milwaukee - Nearly 100 of the best and brightest student “CEOs” in the metro Milwaukee area will compete in the Junior Achievement annual JA Business Challenge on Thursday, February 13, 2014.  The event is presented by Kohl’s Cares and will be hosted by Briggs & Stratton Corporation.  Teams of local students from 15 area high schools will be paired up with area business leaders to test their business knowledge.

"The Junior Achievement Business Challenge provides a great opportunity for high school students to gain the business acumen and leadership skills they will need to successfully participate in the global economy,” said Tim Greinert, President of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.

Students will test their knowledge at running a virtual business through a hands-on computer simulated business strategy tournament using JA Titan. They will then make their own business decisions regarding price, production, marketing, capital investment, and research and development.  The success or failure of the company depends on how well the students manage these key decisions.

“Kohl’s and Junior Achievement share a strong commitment to kids’ education initiatives, and we are proud to present the JA Business Challenge,” said Kevin Mansell, chairman, president & CEO of Kohl’s Department Stores. “We believe this program creates a unique learning opportunity for Milwaukee area youth and helps prepare them for future success and business leadership.”

“This challenge is uniquely positioned to help the students use their creativity, test their leadership skills and participate in a competitive nature that focuses on business and entrepreneurship.  The skills that are gained from this exercise are real life examples that can only enhance their knowledge of business and positively position them for future success,” said Todd J. Teske, Chairman, President & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

In addition to earning scholarships and prizes, the top performing teams will advance to the Wisconsin JA Business Challenge on May 1, 2014, hosted and sponsored by ACUITY, Sheboygan.

Participating High Schools

Bay View High, Brookfield East High School, Catholic Memorial High School, Cedarburg High School, Franklin High School, Grafton High School, Greendale High School, Greenfield High School, Menomonee Falls High School, Messmer High School, Oak Creek High School, Oconomowoc High School, Ozaukee High School, South Milwaukee High School, St. Francis High School.

Presented by: Kohl's Cares

Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.  It is the largest and fastest growing non-profit economics and financial literacy education organization in the world, reaching approximately 5.2 million students worldwide.

To become involved, please visit http://www.jawis.org/  or call (414) 577-3800.