ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vicki L. Bailey, vice president of investment law and chief compliance officer, Advantus Capital Management, was honored by Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest with the Bronze Leadership Award.

The award recognizes Junior Achievement volunteers who perform outstanding service at all levels of the organization. By sharing their personal and professional experiences and skills, volunteers help students make the connection between what they learn in school and what they will need to succeed in work and life.

“Vicki is a wonderful example of how one person can make a huge difference in the lives of young people in our community,” said Gina Blayney, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Upper Midwest. “In a very real way, she helps students develop financial literacy, college and career readiness and entrepreneurship skills.”

Blayney says Bailey was recognized for her length of service to JA. She has been a classroom volunteer for 15 years in Twin Cities schools including several in the inner city. She also was recognized for her service and leadership on the board of directors and education committee.

Bailey also has helped grow JA’s partnership with Securian, which spans more than 30 years. Forty-four Securian volunteers supported JA programs last year providing classroom lessons and hands-on learning at JA Biztown. They also introduced middle school students to financial planning and career exploration through site-based learning at JA Finance Park.

Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest has served students in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and North Dakota since 1949. This school year it will reach approximately 148,000 students in grades K-12 with financial literacy, college and career readiness and entrepreneurship education. JA programs are implemented by more than 8,000 volunteers, mostly business professionals.

Advantus Capital Management is a subsidiary of Securian Financial Group, founded in 1880 in St. Paul, MN. Securian and its affiliates provide financial security for individuals and businesses in the form of insurance, investments and retirement plans. Now one of the nation’s largest financial services providers, it is the holding company parent of a group of companies that include Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company, a New York admitted insurer.

DOFU – 10-2013A03826-1013