ut of an abundance of caution, the Alaska Business Hall of Fame event has been postponed until 2022. While this feels like another blow to the business community due to COVID-19, we feel it is important to wait until we can celebrate safely in person—this year’s class of laureates is exceptional, and so deserving of this honor. We look forward to celebrating with them in person on January 20, 2022.

COVID-19 has so quickly and so profoundly changed our daily lives. Schools have closed for face-to-face learning and businesses of all sizes are suffering. As unsettling as the past months have been to us as adults, consider the impact this is having on thousands of young people who are suddenly schooling at home.

To gain a better understanding of how US youth are reacting to the pandemic, in April 2020 Wakefield Research conducted a survey on behalf of Junior Achievement USA and Citizens Bank | Citizens One. The survey of 1,000 thirteen- to eighteen-year-olds is summarized below.

What teens are concerned about:
Participating teens were asked about their level of concern regarding the financial impact of COVID-19 on them, their families, or loved ones. More than two-thirds (69 percent) of teens surveyed say that they are “somewhat” or “very concerned.”

Survey respondents were also asked what concerns them most about COVID-19. Most teens (72 percent) say that they had a discussion with their parents or guardians about finances related to COVID-19. The possibility of a family member other than a parent or guardian getting sick is a top concern (60 percent). Far fewer teens (39 percent) are concerned about getting sick themselves.

Disruptions to plans for college:
On the topic of future plans, nearly half of high school juniors and seniors (44 percent) say COVID-19 has impacted their plans to pay for college. Of those saying their plans have changed, most (58 percent) say they are more likely to take out a student loan to pay for college than they were prior to the pandemic.

Teens and work:
On the topic of work, nearly half of teens (42 percent) say they earn money through odd jobs working for other people, and more than a quarter (29 percent) have a job with an outside employer. Of those working outside the home, close to half (46 percent) say they or their families depend on their income. A significant percentage of teens (42 percent) say their parents or caretakers are now working from home in response to COVID-19, while more than quarter (28 percent) responded that their parents are working fewer hours as a result of the pandemic.

Job loss:
Job loss has also hit teens. A quarter (25 percent) say they have lost jobs, such as lawn mowing and snow removal, as a result of COVID-19. Nearly as many (21 percent) have lost babysitting and pet-sitting jobs. Almost one-fifth (18 percent) have lost a job at an outside employer due to COVID-19.

To support our young people, JJA is offering free online resources to teachers, parents, and young people at ja.org/tomorrows. We are doing this so that our children can spend more time planning for and dreaming about tomorrow and less time worrying about today. Since the pandemic started, JA has served more than 2,500 students through teaching financial capability, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Many of our education partners have been searching for solutions to provide educational opportunities for their students at home. JA responded immediately and continues to respond with educational materials made available online to education partners and parents struggling to give their kids direction at home. Materials include traditional programming converted to virtual, experiential formats.

JA Alaska is working with local employers to develop a JA Online Career Speaker Series and a JA Inspire Virtual Career Fair for students and schools. This event will include short, impactful videos of individuals talking about their Alaska careers. The videos will be organized into twelve career clusters/pathways. JA is connecting with educators, other youth development organizations, and libraries to ensure access for all JA participants.

There are several key features that are a part of JA’s programs:

• Multiple content delivery types, designed to meet local school system mode(s) of delivery
• Flexible models that infuse community volunteer connections
• Online and personal training and support for educators
• Student activity pages in fillable PDF forms for digital delivery across multiple platforms
• Content aligned with academic standards
• Relevant, interactive learning experiences
• Self-guided, interactive, asynchronous learning activities in a bite-sized design (5 to 10 minutes each)

As demand for the program continues to grow, JA is partnering with the communities that we serve to prepare young people for a global economy. Through the ongoing investment by corporations and businesses in Alaska, JA Alaska can continue to reach more students.

From the board, staff, and students of Junior Achievement of Alaska, we wish you the very best in 2021.

Junior Achievement of Alaska would like to recognize the Lead Sponsors of the Campaign: Mary K. Hughes, Andrew Eker, the John C. Hughes Foundation, GCI, Lynden, and Jim Jansen. Many thanks to supporting sponsors: Betsy Lawer, Leonard & Martens LLC, Financial Planning and Investments, John & Kai Sims, ENSTAR Natural Gas Co., Alaska Communications, Northrim Bank, ASRC Energy Services, Delta Constructors, KPMG, Arctic IT, The Planning Group Northwest, Cal IV Tubulars, NANA Management Services, Jana Smith, Petro 49 Inc., TOTE Maritime Alaska, Alaska Airlines, Wells Fargo, Jason Metrokin, Udelhoven Oilfield System Services, Connie Yoshimura, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Alaska Realty, Randy & Chanda Mines, Odom Corporation, Jana Hayenga, Cabin Fever, Jo Michalski, Adm. Tom Barrett, Pat & April Reilly, Rain Proof Roofing, Kevin and Jeana Van Nortwick, Harry McDonald, Blue Arctic Waste, John & Mary Witte and Rita Sholton, and other businesses who donated after the release of this announcement.

JA must raise additional funding to continue to provide programs to students this year. To make a donation, please visit alaska.ja.org and click “Donate.”