February 24, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska has a growing need for workers in construction, transportation, maritime industries, and other Department of Transportation-aligned fields. Many young people face significant barriers to entering the workforce, including housing instability, lack of training, and limited support networks.
Covenant House Alaska was selected as a primary partner by the Alaska State Department of Transportation to recruit and deliver life skills training to young adults in preparation for entering into the transportation industry workforce across the state.
Through a partnership with The Alaska Association of General Contractors, Covenant House Alaska will recruit youth at risk of homelessness or long-term instability to participate in a life skills curriculum branded as Work Ready Alaska. Key components of Work Ready Alaska include: foundational employability skills training; vocational and technical training; employer and training partnerships, including apprenticeships and advanced training tracks; targeted recruitment; and wraparound support focusing on housing access, mental health, job coaching, and transportation assistance.
Recent studies confirm that 86% of employers report that entry-level talent requires substantial or moderate additional training to be successful in their roles. Founded in 1988, Covenant House Alaska has a proven track record caring for youth with diverse experiences and needs, and they provide vital services that lead to positive outcomes.
- Only 21% of youth are employed when they arrive at Covenant House Alaska. In FY25, 240 young people gained or maintained jobs.
- Only 44% of youth have a high school diploma or GED. In FY25, 252 young people engaged in onsite education programs.
- Nearly 75% of youth in Covenant House Alaska’s transitional housing program exit to stable housing.
“What makes the Work Ready Alaska model unique is that it is a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach that integrates workforce training with housing, wellness and wraparound services,” shared Alison Kear, CEO, Covenant House Alaska.
Alison added, “Equally as important is that we are a data-driven organization and we can use our existing evaluation systems to provide valuable data sets to other organizations and partners seeking both workforce solutions and opportunities to place motivated young people into careers.”
Work Ready Alaska officially begins on March 1, 2026 and will include enrollment of youth who live at Covenant House Alaska in addition to youth in underserved communities who lack access to career advancement. Year-one targets are ambitious, but attainable.
- 120 students will complete basic Work Ready Alaska certification.
- 30 students will earn DOT-aligned certifications.
- 30 youth will enter apprenticeships or advanced training.
- 30 youth will obtain DOT-relevant employment.
Along with stable housing, education and employment are essential to ending youth homelessness. Work Ready Alaska will equip young people with the skills and opportunities to build brighter, more secure futures.
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About Covenant House Alaska:
Covenant House Alaska (CHA) is the state’s largest nonprofit organization supporting youth experiencing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking. CHA offers a safe place and comprehensive services to help youth ages 13-24 achieve stability, independence, and success. In 2025, Covenant House Alaska served 979 young people across core programs and services and provided 51,961 nights of safe housing; 100% of youth in CHA’s homelessness prevention program remained housed last year. To learn more about Covenant House Alaska, visit covenanthouseak.org.
About Work Ready Alaska:
Work Ready Alaska is a statewide initiative designed to prepare disadvantaged young Alaskans (ages 16–24) for careers in transportation-related industries. This partnership between the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) and Covenant House Alaska (CHA) provides job readiness training, technical skills instruction, and direct pathways to employment. To learn more about Work Ready Alaska, visit https://webuildalaska.com/work-ready-alaska/.
Media Contact:
Winter Marketing & PR
Ally Burdett
ally@wintermarketingpr.com