For weeks students have been building and creating products for sale for an economic lesson at the Alaska Job Corps Center.  As part of their training and academics, they planned, designed, and penciled out projects which they could afford (using training achievements) as currency.  Then they purchased their materials, built their prototypes, refined the design and made multiple products.  On Friday, the Token Economy trading took place.

There was fused glass, hand-made wooden frames, crocheted caps, washer necklaces, rock pendants, polar fleece hats, hand painted coasters, stained glass, and wooden coat racks.  This was quality work that could fetch fine dollars at any craft fair or bazaar.  The students exchanged their impressive products with a bartering system, allowing them to have a good selection of gift items to share with friends or family this holiday.

A rather quiet student was asked how he made the wooden frames.  The response was full of pride.  He talked about staining the wood, sanding the corners, selecting the finish, resanding the resin, adding the flourishes;  and as he explained there was great confidence and  satisfaction in both his project and in his ability to communicate the detailed process.

There were many lessons learned in this center wide project but without a doubt it will be enhanced for future use.  Geography, economics, trading, communication, team building, customer service, trade skills, and marketing are all part of the Token Economy project.   This production was initiated by Academic Instructor Antoinette Rustad and it is considered a Best Practice;  hopefully Rustad will be improving it and submitting it as a part of academic curriculum for continuing experiential education.  Students worked hard to complete many Training Achievement Requirements, within the valuable structure of the Token Economy project.

Chugach Education Services is the Operator of the Alaska Job Corps Center.  They are proud of the training that is offered to all young Alaskans in preparation for successful employment and bettering lives both at home and in their community.