Student Well‑Being and the JA Titan Experience

A decline in well‑being has been steadily impacting the educational experience for students. According to the latest Educate Maine Education Indicators for Maine report, only 53% of high school students in Maine report feeling like they matter in their community. At the same time, 28% of high school students report feeling sad or hopeless for two weeks or more.

These trends underscore an urgent need for meaningful interventions that help students feel connected, capable, and hopeful. Junior Achievement of Maine (JA Maine) is providing that intervention through the JA Titan Experience - a statewide program that empowers students to envision and believe in a successful future.

The statewide program places students in the role of business leaders using JA’s Titan simulation, challenging them to make strategic decisions, collaborate with peers, and see firsthand how their choices drive success. More importantly, it gives students hands‑on ownership of their future possibilities.

One 2025 JA Titan participant captured the impact clearly:
“I care about my future. And JA Maine supported my belief in myself and what I want to accomplish,” Elijah, Deering High School.

This testimonial is evidence that when students are given real-world learning experiences that value their ideas and effort, they can gain a sense of agency and optimism.

“We know students are struggling with belonging, confidence, and hope,” said Michelle Anderson, President and CEO of JA Maine. “The JA Titan Experience is not just about business education—it's about showing students that they have power, potential, and a meaningful place in their communities. The data tells us this work is critical.”

Outcomes from participating schools show increases in self‑confidence, teamwork, decision‑making skills, and motivation to pursue future goals. Educators report that students who typically disengage in traditional classrooms become active, vocal leaders during the JA Titan Experience.

As students’ well‑being becomes a priority in the holistic approach to education, programs like JA Titan offer a research‑aligned solution: hands‑on, experiential learning that strengthens students’ belief in themselves and their futures.

The JA Titan Experience is ongoing in classrooms throughout Maine. Volunteers representing the business community are preparing over 300 students to compete in the JA Titan Challenge coming up on March 31, 2026 and April 2, 2026.

During the challenge, students will compete out of one of nine host locations that provide a real-world experience of what life is like at a Maine business or college campus. Each team will compete to lead their company to profit while being mentored by a business or community member. First and second place champions will be awarded for the northern and southern competitions, with the opportunity for the first-place champions to compete nationally.

JA Titan is made possible in part by Premier Partner, IDEXX and Victory Partner, Tyler Technologies. To learn more about JA Titan visit https://maine.ja.org/events/titan-challenge.