Knowledge Industry Network

Alaska struggles to retain younger populations that now migrate to large metropolitan areas outside of the State. In order to attract, return and retain Alaska's younger residents, we must provide appropriate leadership, education and direct career connections. It is vital to Alaska's economy that we furnish the environment to quickly and effectively integrate young adults into the workforce.

The Knowledge Industry Network will accomplish its mission through:

• Networking events – opportunities for Alaska’s 20/30-somethings to make valuable contacts with other professionals and community members in a setting that is informal and inclusive


• Entrepreneurial Education – professional development workshops and events geared towards Alaskan entrepreneurs, service providers, and investors of all ages


• School-to-Work Program – comprehensive internship program and support for educational opportunities with real world applications (including FIRST Robotics and FIRST Lego League); provides incentives for students to pursue careers in Alaska after high school and college by helping students to identify interests, cultivate a skill base, establish a professional reputation, and develop a network within Alaska's business community


• Access Alaska – wiki-style, user-driven website providing a one stop shop for Alaska-relevant information, access to business and technical assistance providers, mentors, financial resources, and links to common/complementing interest professionals

Networking Events

KIN sponsors networking events in cities across Alaska. The purpose of these events is to bring a broad range of interests and backgrounds together to establish relationships, exchange ideas and educate the entreprenurial community.

• Anchorage – KIN hosts networking Pub Nights at McGinley's Pub in downtown Anchorage (G & 7th) on the First Thursday of every month. Come take advantage of this great opportunity to meet and network with other young professionals and community members at Anchorage's newest pub.


• Juneau – KIN hosts networking Pub Nights on the Third Thursday of every month at The Island Pub in Douglas. Come take advantage of this great networking opportunity!


• Mat-Su Valley – KIN will host networking Pub Nights from 6-8pm on the Second Thursday of every month at the Great Bear Brewing Co. in Wasilla.


• Fairbanks – KIN will be sponsoring events in Fairbanks beginning in March 2007. Email Jess Parks to added to the Fairbanks KIN events mailing list.

The current calendar for all networking events can be found online the on the Access Alaska Events page.

School-to-Work. It's easy to get involved!

The goal of KIN’s School-to-Work program is to connect students to the Alaska business community before they leave for college. Our student-driven internships will engage high school and college-age students in the process of creating an internship in their industry of choice, increasing the long-term benefits for both the student and the employer. A successful intern will establish a professional reputation, cultivate a skill base, and develop a network within Alaska’s business community.

KIN will also be working with FIRST Lego League (FLL) to provide math and science clubs and competitions throughout the state. FLL has had international success in engaging young students in science and technology challenges and increases their chances of pursing a career in that industry. Our goal is to create five teams with an initial focus on Southeast Alaska schools in both rural and urban areas.

Phase II of the School-to-Work program will involve expanding to serve kindergarten through college-age students and to improve our geographic outreach to target rural communities throughout the state. Our ultimate goal is to increase the amount of Alaskan students who are academically engaged through hands on, applied learning. As students get older, their level of applied learning will progress into real world experiences in the workplace.

Access Alaska

Access Alaska (www.accessak.org) is a component of the Knowledge Industry Network (KIN). The network’s goal is to work toward diversifying Alaska’s economy through the development of business through creativity and innovation while providing a thriving environment for students and Alaskan professionals.

Access Alaska is not only a component of KIN -- it is a creative outlet and a powerful business tool that is constantly growing and evolving with the latest from Alaska’s business community. Access Alaska is a wiki: it empowers every user with the ability to create, edit, comment and even delete content. Access Alaska enables Alaskans to build the content that will give you tool for success.

Access Alaska implements several Web 2.0 technologies including wiki, social networking, and live news feeds that are all delivered to you in a progressive, creative, one-stop-shop way. If you’ve never visited AccessAK.com and are new, the “Getting Started” guide will assist you in finding a wealth of information about doing business in Alaska. It will guide you in getting connected with other Alaskans and business professionals alike, and provide you access to up-to-the-minute news and events happening in and out of Alaska.

You can learn more about Access Alaska in the Getting Started Guide.

 

Access Alaska Get started building your company and your entrepreneurial skills with Access Alaska today!	Case Studies See how Hansen Gress Corporation has made the Knowledge Industry Network enable growth!	Networking Events Come to a pub night, check out a social networking event, maybe even come to a business series or venture panel. KIN is hosting events statewide all the time!