ARE's New Look

Alaska is rich in natural resources. There’s the glittering gold that called men and women north and the towering treetops of the rainforests of Southeast. Beneath the vast tundra, oil fuels the economy and the wicked winds that rip through the state also breathe life into renewable energy. But of all Alaska’s many remarkable natural resources, the greatest resource is the next generation.

Alaska Resource Education exists to empower these students with information. ARE is a nonprofit dedicated to educating Alaska’s students about the state’s natural resources, empowering them to become informed stewards, while also creating awareness about the many career opportunities within the natural resource industries. ARE delivers quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. It provides classroom curriculum and outreach for grades K-12, as well as continuing education for educators. Lessons cover rocks, forestry, economics, minerals, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy including solar, wind, and geothermal. ARE provides hands-on learning through classroom visits and guest speakers.

ARE has evolved and grown since its inception in 1982. The current rebrand is a reflection of who we are today. There is no political or industrial agenda to our curriculum. Our goal is to tell the whole story about all of Alaska’s natural resources and their “lifecycle,” from extraction, production, transportation, and use through the end-of-life.

At ARE, we help students connect to Alaska’s resources by showcasing how they are all connected. We encourage students to think about how sustainability intersects with responsible resource development. We present the facts in a fun, hands-on and engaging way. Ultimately, we hope to teach students about the vast career opportunities available within the natural resource industries to build Alaska’s future workforce and inspire students to have rewarding and lucrative careers. We do not want to lose Alaska’s greatest resource: our students. Just as Alaskans have carefully managed their natural resources, ARE is working to empower tomorrow’s leaders because bright minds create a powerful future.

ARE’s new logo is a simple representation of the vastness of our curriculum. The triangles of varying colors showcase that we do not represent a single industry or set of curriculum. These triangles build a hexagon shape that is a common occurrence in molecules. It represents elements coming together. The logo showcases ARE’s focus on creating connections: teaching about the connection between our environment and the way our resources are used; connecting the jobs available in these industries that students aspire to achieve; and connecting students with new opportunities. The logo begins to come apart and flow, representing the knowledge being imparted and the forward momentum of ARE and its mission. This momentum includes sparking an interest, igniting a passion, and launching students toward their future careers.