build renewables, along with the development of new technologies like carbon capture and storage,” she said. “Students thrive on learning what’s new and how they can be involved.” ARE’s mission has always been about students learning the importance of Alaska’s resources and how to become stewards of the environment. However, an increasing focus has been on workforce development. Children need to be stimulated early, in third and fourth grade, to develop a curiosity about science and technology. From fifth and sixth grades on students need to know there are interesting and rewarding careers in science and technology in Alaska’s resource industries,” Ede said. “Many teachers don’t realize these jobs exist.” It takes money to do things, however. ARE has always had funding from individuals and corporate sponsors, and its fundraising events are a fixture at the Support Industry Alliance’s Meet Alaska, the annual Resource Development Council and Alaska Miners Association conventions. In 2019 a large U.S. Department of Energy grant allowed ARE to add two educators to a previous teaching staff of one. In 2023, this was followed by a short-term grant from the state Department of Education and Early Development that enabled the hire of one more education specialist. A full-time educator has also been hired in Fairbanks. The U.S. DOE and state grants expire in 2024 and work is underway to raise replacement funding “Historically, most of our funding was through corporate donations, fundraising events, and some state funding,” Ede said. “Currently, 48 percent of our funding is from grants, 25 percent from corporate donors, and 25 percent from fundraising events. We have seen a slight increase in program income through camps or rural school districts paying for our high school curriculum. ARE’s fundraising events continue to be popular. “Our Sporting Clays Fun Shoot and Anchorage and Fairbanks Coal Classic golf tournaments are sellouts every year” Ede said. The fall Alaska Miners Association conference continues to be ARE’s single biggest fundraising event every year. “We simply could not continue to keep the lights on or teach as many kids without the generosity of Alaska’s resource development industries. We appreciate this support which allows us to to reach as many students as possible,” Ede said. For a current calendar of 2024 ARE events, please visit www. akresource.org. — Tim Bradner Linking Alaska’s Resources to Alaska’s People 44 2024 Meet Alaska Conference & Trade Show CONTINUED from PAGE 42
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