By: Kerry Reifel
For most children, fundraisers for extra-curricular activities are a pretty common rite of passage while growing up. But, at Covenant House Alaska (CHA), many of our youth haven’t had those simple childhood experiences, which is what makes four Covey Youth’s recent accomplishment so much more significant.
A group of CHA youth created the opportunity of a lifetime for themselves this summer as part of a trip to Orlando. A team of four youth, accompanied by staffer Annie Shane, traveled to the National Career Development Conference organized by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Joining them were eight students from Bethel Regional High School, led by Brett Smith, the JAG Bethel Program Coordinator, and another teacher from BRHS. The trip itself was funded by a grant and in itself was a remarkable experience. For many of these students, the journey marked their first time venturing outside their home state, making it an even more memorable.
But, that’s not all!
The youth found they were going to have a free day while at the conference. They all decided that they really wanted to go to Universal Studios for the day. The cost of which wasn’t covered by the designated funding. They would need to fundraise to raise enough money to cover the cost of admission. The youth were determined. In a brainstorming session led by Annie Shane, they decided they would sell baked goods. That’s right, they decided to host a good old-fashioned bake sale. Other staffers also jumped on board, like the café and kitchen manager who helped bring the idea to life by assisted with recipes, baking and creating a sales plan. A “JAG Alaska” logo, designed by a youth who had also interned with Media 7, graced the baked goods label. The Media 7 connection led to an unexpected yet heartwarming sponsorship, with sweatshirts featuring the youth’s logo design.
The community rallied behind the cause, and over the span of three weeks, the youth managed to raise nearly $700 through the sale of their baked treats. The success of their fundraising campaign not only covered the cost of Universal Studios tickets for a full day of fun at the theme park, but also exemplified their determination and teamwork.
In addition to their epic Universal Studio’s day, the conference was a hub of diverse activities aimed at personal and professional growth. Workshops, competitive events, leadership training, and career exploration sessions provided the youth with an invaluable platform to learn and develop. One of the highlights was a career preparation event where a student crafted a compelling PowerPoint presentation on their chosen career field, presenting it to a panel of judges. Additionally, two students, one from Anchorage and one from Bethel, served as Alaska’s voting delegates, participating in the election of national officers for JAG’s National Career Association. Their contribution received praise from JAG staff at the national level, underscoring the impact of their involvement.
The youth invested their time in attending five pre-travel meetings, focusing on leadership skills and readiness for the conference. These sessions not only fine-tuned their abilities but also fostered camaraderie among the group. It was evident that the youth were determined to make the most of this opportunity and truly shine on the national stage
As the journey unfolded, the youth shared their thoughts on what JAG meant to them. One participant highlighted how JAG had a profound impact on their mental well-being, stating, “I didn’t expect it to have such an impact on my health. Before JAG, I was depressed and a lot was going on, and it helped me control myself and my reactions to others.”
