TESTIMONIALS

Alaska Resource Education has been an invaluable resource over the past few years. Their lessons have increased my student’s understanding of Alaska's natural resources including the ethical decision-making that takes place when extracting and utilizing resources. ARE teaches hands-on lessons involving solar panels and wind turbines. They collaborated with my students to come up with activities to simulate carbon sequestration. We find their lessons to be unbiased and focused on the pros and cons of each method, as well as the long-term impacts of utilizing Alaska's natural resources. Our community needs collaborators like ARE in order to showcase our many valuable career options and to ensure our students become scientifically literate decision-makers that improve their communities.

- Catherine Walker, NBCT

Dimond High Oceanography/Marine Biology, Unmanned Aviation Science, and PLTW Engineering Essentials

ARE’s class changed my life and showed me that life is so much more than the straightforward path we are taught in school every day. My experience with ARE has shown me that life is full of possibilities and that it is okay and completely expected to not know what the rest of your life looks like.

- Taylor Stewart

11th grade

Service High School

Our partnership with Alaska Resource Education has led to incredible STEM-based learning opportunities that ultimately, teach our students about the many careers in our State's environmental resources. The passion and callbir of the instruction provided by the staff of ARE, all of which have vast industry, teaching, and Alaska experience, helps them connect with our students in a way that is not easily replicated. They are patient, operate through a cultural lens, and help advocate on behalf of our program with other potential partnerships, which can lead to several post-secondary training programs and careers. Our program would not be as strong without our relationship with ARE.

- Conrad Woodhead

LYSD CTE and Residential Director, Kusilvak Career Academy

I thought it was going to be a lecture. I thought I was going to have to bring fidgets all the time because I have really bad ADHD. But [ARE] kept us busy with activities and stuff. So it was really fun to be able to stay hands-on because that's how it helps me learn.

- Sentha Wright

11th grade

Service High School

Alaska Resource Education provides students with the opportunity to touch, see, and apply natural resources to real-life applications. My favorite is when students design and construct solar-powered boats and race them in a kiddie pool. Amazing, engaging, and educational!

- Melinda Moore

Service High School, ProStart/Culinary Arts Teacher, Internship Supervisor, FCCLA Advisor, FCCLA State Advisor, ACTE/ProStart TOTY

ARE's presentations with hands-on activities are a well-crafted mix of science content, fun activity and introduction to career exploration. Students love the presenters, and the offerings are constantly evolving with new topics relevant to Alaskan students.

- Lorraine Campbell

M. Ed, Retired Science Teacher South Anchorage High School

Perhaps the most impactful component of this externship was the comprehensive exploration of various careers available to high school students within Alaska's resource industries. As an advisor, my primary goal is to help students envision their futures and connect them with opportunities that align with their interests and talents. This externship provided me with a wealth of firsthand knowledge about the breadth and depth of professions, from engineering and geology to environmental science and skilled trades, all directly tied to Alaska's natural resources. I am now equipped with concrete examples and a deeper understanding of these fields, which will allow me to more effectively open my students' minds to new and exciting career ideas right here in our state. The sheer scope of amazing careers available, from renewable energy to the oil field, was truly impressive and will undoubtedly benefit my students as they navigate their post-secondary choices.

- Elizabeth Swaby

CTE Educator, Kenai Peninsula Borough

As a school counselor, one of my responsibilities is helping students connect their education to future career pathways. After this externship, I’m more equipped than ever to introduce students, especially those who may not be interested in a traditional four-year college route, to high-paying, meaningful careers in natural resource industries.

- Ellen Piekarski

East High School Counselor

I was floored by the breadth and intricacies of our energy systems in Alaska. I was born and raised in Anchorage but I’ve taken energy and our resources for granted. ARE’s lessons focus on Alaska energy, resources and economics and lead students to consider careers in our State. Alaskan students benefit from ARE lessons about understanding our energy systems across the State. They will grow up to make informed energy decisions as citizens. I’m also confident that with knowledge of Alaska resources and comprehension of our resource-based economy, for example, the PFD and energy costs across the state, students will grow to be informed citizens who vote.

- Deanna James

Teacher, Mears Middle School

The ARE externship provided me with the professional development that I was lacking. It will prove to be instrumental in my career as a counselor and teacher. The impact I can have on students has immensely grown from the knowledge I gained this week. I cannot thank ARE enough for this opportunity. I am better equipped to inform my students about career opportunities, especially in fields critical to Alaska’s future.

- Melissa Dunning

Teacher, Kenai Peninsula Borough