Alaska Resource Education promotes interactive learning on natural resources at lunch event

The Alaska State Legislature's miscellaneous meeting on March 25, 2025, featured a presentation by Alaska Resource Education (ARE), aimed at enhancing educational outreach regarding the state's natural resources. The session, hosted by Representative Burt, included a lunch and learn format with interactive elements designed to engage attendees.

Ella Eid, the executive director of ARE, introduced the organization, highlighting its mission to educate students about Alaska's natural resources and empower them to make informed decisions. Established in 1982, ARE has evolved its curriculum to cover a wide range of topics, including geology, energy, and forestry. Eid emphasized the challenge of simplifying complex subjects, such as the workings of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, for high school students.

Taylor Berg, the operations manager at ARE, elaborated on the organization's educational programs, which cater to K-12 students across Alaska. The curriculum is divided into three tiers: SPARK programs for younger students, Ignite programs for grades 4-8, and Launch programs for high school students. Each tier is designed to foster interest and understanding of natural resources, with a focus on responsible and sustainable practices.

The meeting underscored the importance of hands-on learning experiences, with ARE staff actively engaging participants in activities that illustrate the life cycle of natural resources—from extraction to end-of-life management. This approach aims to ignite passion and awareness among students about their connection to Alaska's rich natural resources and the job opportunities within these sectors.

Overall, the session highlighted ARE's commitment to providing comprehensive education on Alaska's natural resources, preparing students for future challenges and opportunities in the field.