Recently, our President and CEO and a staff member on our Community Impact team were interviewed for an article about Academies of Anchorage. Eric Utraq Billingsley offered his insights to Alaska Business Monthly. Our contributions were included alongside other community leaders supporting Academies of Anchorage, including:

• Anchorage School District (ASD): Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, Superintendent
• Alaska Airlines: Scott Habberstad, Managing Director of the Alaska Market
• The Alliance: Rebecca Logan, CEO
• Anchorage Chamber of Commerce: Kathleen McArdle, President and CEO
• Anchorage Economic Development Corporation: Jenna Wright, CEO
• University of Alaska Anchorage: Dr. Denise Runge, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

This article is the first comprehensive story on Academies of Anchorage and is being published in the August edition. The organizations and people who shaped and advocated for Academies of Anchorage shared their “why.” They also talked about what its implementation means for students and our community. Learn about our role in Academies of Anchorage.

Eric specifically focused his remarks on United Way’s current involvement. Here are some of his additional thoughts, which are not included in the article.

“For years, we’ve focused on strengthening education and financial stability,” Eric says. “Academies of Anchorage aligns with our past and upcoming work, so it makes sense to support it now.” Giving students hands-on experiences, helping them build their resumes and soft skills and linking them to mentors and networks improves their outcomes. We’re preparing students to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Whoever wants to be involved in any capacity can be. Participation can take many forms: Oversight, in-class support, off-site activities and financial contributions. We’ll maintain a balance of big and small workplaces’ opportunities to help students and benefit workplaces.

Anyone can contact us to ask questions or discuss what their participation could entail. We recommend submitting your interest using this form, and we will follow up with you.

In the meantime or to learn more, we hope you’ll find and read the Alaska Business Monthly article, titled, “Academies of Anchorage: A learning floodgate, not a funnel.”

READ THE STORY