During National Volunteer Week 2025, Junior Achievement (JA) of Alaska held its 2025 Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 29, to recognize and honor the volunteers who support JA’s programs both inside and outside the classroom. These individuals generously invest their time in teaching Alaska’s students the values of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Their dedication remains the backbone of the organization.
Ryan Roley of MedPhysicals Plus, a dedicated JA of Alaska volunteer since 2023, has been recognized as one of Junior Achievement of Alaska’s Heroes of the Year. He was nominated by staff and board members for his outstanding dedication and support of the organization’s mission to empower youth.
Ryan has been inspiring 2nd–8th grade students by teaching essential finance and money management skills. His favorite group to teach is 6th–8th graders.
Junior Achievement (JA) of Alaska is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973 that inspires and prepares young people for success. JA programs focus on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, helping to ignite a spark in young people to explore and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life.
These programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas across the United States through more than 100 area offices in all 50 states. Volunteers come from all walks of life, including business professionals, college students, parents, and retirees.
JA of Alaska reaches approximately 12,000 students each year.
Make a difference and inspire students to achieve success in Alaska. Learn how you can become a volunteer with Junior Achievement of Alaska and help empower young people to take charge of their economic future.
Make a difference and help inspire students to succeed across Alaska. Learn how you can become a volunteer with Junior Achievement of Alaska and empower young people to take charge of their economic future.