From critical thinking and communication, to teamwork and time management, Excel Alaska helps students in rural, western Alaska learn critical “employability” skills. There, they’ll teach teens how to drive, budgeting, navigating public transportation, enabling independence and the ability to get to and from work.


Cari-Ann Carty with Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium said the program is effective because it’s immersive and should be replicated across the state, she said.


“Excel Alaska is really a great example of best practices in the state for getting students ready for the workforce,” Carty said. “They work with students from 7th grade, up to graduation and sometimes beyond.”


Employability Skills Training



  • Career & technical education (CTE) classes in high schools statewide.

  • Voyage to Excellence — Chugach School District

  • Nine Star

  • Ilisgvik College


Key Employability Skills



  • Desire to work

  • Critical thinking

  • Active listening

  • Social perceptiveness


APICC Outreach Coordinator



For more information on employment and training, click here.