Workforce Readiness



Workforce readiness and education are two key aspects of Mihaylo’s own education that he believes were the foundation for his own business start. Growing up in a home of a single mother, who struggled, he grew to appreciate the importance of programs that supported children, such as after school programs, in addition to scholarship and career development programs for children, teachers, military and women.

K-12 Programs and After School College and Workforce Development Programs Research and Teaching Programs


Entrepreneurship and Financial Management



Mihaylo has dedicated his vision for future business leaders to many levels of education.

K-12 Programs
Over 100,000 5th and 6th graders in Arizona have attended the Biztown experience, a program where youth learn how to manage their personal financials, while also learning Entrepreneurship by taking a business leader position in JA BizTown®, a mock township, where young entreprenuers take charge of their business.

Steve stated, “Through my involvement in the Junior Achievement JA BizTown (formerly Exchange City) project, I am investing in young children by giving them the opportunity to prepare for their future. And, through this project they can find and take pride in their academic strengths. Seeing them grow and take their place in the community makes this investment rewarding.”


College Programs
Center for Entreprenuership

Leadership, Community & Education



  1. Involved in numerous charitable organizations – especially educational based
  2. Founder – Steven G. Mihaylo Big Bear High School Foundation
    1. A foundation with broad-based community support
    2. Provides funds to the community’s children for various after school programs.
    3. Provide college scholarships for deserving local high school graduates
    4. The Foundation currently has over $2 million in assets and is growing annually
  3. First Chairman & President – The Arizona Science Center in Phoenix, AZ
    1. Took this project from its initial concept to a world class science museum in less than 15 years.
    2. Recruited a top notch group of local business leaders, from the largest businesses in Arizona, to join the board of directors.
    3. Lead the campaign to raise over $150 million for the construction of this world class museum facility through a combination of private and public funding.
  4. Arizona Heart Foundation – Board Member
  5. Junior Achievement Foundation – Board Member
  6. Arizona State University – Dean’s Council of 100 – Board Member
  7. Recipient – University of Arizona Entrepreneurial Fellow Award
  8. Recipient – Ernst & Young/Southwest Airlines Entrepreneur of The Year Award
  9. Recipient – Junior Achievement National Gold Leadership Award
  10. Recipient – Junior Achievement Man of the Year Award
  11. Recipient – Juvenile Diabetes Man of the Year Award
  12. Chairman of the California State University Fullerton, College of Business and Economics Capital Campaign
    1. Helped raise over $20 million in private funding for the new $100 million, 200,000 square foot, Business School building.
    2. The new Business School building houses the largest business school in California and the fourth largest business school in the United States
  13. California State University Fullerton – Dean’s Advisory Board – Board Member
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Copyright © 2010 Steve Mihaylo