Douglas York

Age: 52
Home state: New York
Cause: Financial literacy

Fourteen years ago, York's boss at the New York utility National Grid asked the sales forecaster if he'd volunteer through Junior Achievement to teach money skills in public schools. Hooked after one session, York, a father of three, has taught as many as seven elementary school classes during a school year. His favorite audience? Third-graders, whom he helps build virtual cities and shows how banks and other businesses work. One of his employer's top JA recruiters and fundraisers, York says he gets the most satisfaction from grateful letters sent by former students.

Says York:

Sometimes kids will take advice from people in business that they won't from their parents."