Junior achievement's influence: helping fill Alaska's skills gap.

• Author: Sommer, Susan
• Position: SPECIAL SECTION: Junior achievement - Company overview

Imagine getting to meet two of America's most famous business people when you re only 18. That happened to one Junior Achievement Alaska student and it changed his life. More on that later.

Junior Achievement of Alaska, a branch of the national organization started in 1919, is a private nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and prepare youth in grades K-12 to succeed in a global economy. Through hands-on programs, it educates students about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Founded in 1973, JA Alaska has influenced kids in more than 43 communities across the state. The organization reached over 8,440 students during the 2011-12 school year. It is supported by special events, local corporations, individuals and grants, and all of the funds raised locally support local programs.

The JA program wouldn't work without the help of numerous volunteers from Alaska's business community and beyond: business owners, college students, parents and retirees. Volunteers spend time teaching JA's curriculum in K-12 classrooms while also passing along knowledge and experience from their own lives as business or community leaders. Professionals also serve on the JA board of directors and offer administrative support.

Flora Teo, president of JA Alaska, says a core group of volunteers have been active in Alaska for years, but the organization does actively recruit new volunteers from the community. JA representatives sometimes present an overview of the programs to a business that's likely to provide volunteers, such as Fred Meyer, Wells Fargo and Credit Union 1. JA also helps prepare new volunteers to present JA classes.

Since 1987, an Alaska Business Hall of Fame gathering is held each year to recognize and honor those who've made great strides in the Alaska business community and their commitment to the JA mission. Inductees for 2013 are Mark Eliason, USTravel; Byron Mallott, Alaska Air Group; Rick Mystrom, business owner and former Anchorage Mayor; and Joe Usibelli, Jr., Usibelli Coal Mine Inc.

JA Programs

JA programs are free to everyone involved--students, teachers and volunteers. In-school and after-school programs are age-appropriate for elementary, middle and high school levels. "The sooner you reach the kids, the better," says Teo. Neither tests nor grades are given; it's a non-threatening environment.

For example, a kindergarten-level class includes stories read aloud by the volunteer, along with hands-on activities to...