Education

Alaska's Education and Workforce Training

Our pro-business policies, skilled workforce, and unparalleled connectivity to major markets in North America and Asia make investing in Alaska a smart, strategic choice. The Alaska Business Initiative is your partner in navigating the landscape of opportunity, ensuring that your business has the support, resources, and network needed to succeed in one of the most dynamic and forward-looking economies in the world.

$1.5B investment in K-12 education
$2.75M career & technical education

K-12 Education Investments and Success

Equipping Alaskans with the skills they need, starting at a young age, has been a continuous priority for our state government. This is evident through the proposed FY26 budget, which includes a total investment of $1.5 billion in K-12 Education, with $2.75 million allocated specifically to career and technical education, teacher apprenticeships, and teacher recruitment and retention initiatives.

Supporting students beyond high school, the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) helps eligible high school seniors cover the costs associated with postsecondary education in Alaska, including tuition for vocational education training and college degree programs, ensuring that Alaskans can build their future right here at home.

K-12 Education in Alaska
University Programs in Alaska

University Programs

Alaska's college and university system places an emphasis on skills critical to the Alaskan business ecosystem. From leading in Arctic research with hands-on learning, and specialized programs in natural resource management, engineering, healthcare, and education, graduates of Alaska's 15 university and community college campuses receive the training needed to grow local industries and support our unique economy and communities.

Whether you're a young person exploring apprenticeships, an adult seeking a career change, or a veteran building new skills, Alaska's Department of Labor and Workforce Development is here to help. Explore their employment and training services to discover the resources and opportunities that align with your goals.

Trade and Vocational Training

At the heart of Alaska's education is our network of trade schools and training centers, which are expanding access to high-demand career pathways in the growing industries of oil and gas, renewable energy, aviation, logistics, information technology, healthcare, and marine operations.

Institutions like the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward and the Alaska Technical Center in Kotzebue are just two examples of specialized programs that provide real-world, hands-on training, designed with input from employers, making graduates instantly employment-ready.

In addition, the University of Alaska spearheads workforce development training through its Career and Technical Education Plan (CTEP), which focuses on individualized career preparation through specialized training that aligns with regional and state current and future workforce needs.

Trade and Vocational Training

Alaska's Educational Edge

Whether it's training the next generation of engineers, equipping skilled tradespeople, or preparing healthcare professionals for both rural and urban communities, Alaska's education and workforce development ecosystem is designed to meet the needs of businesses.

This state-wide commitment, from K-12 through postsecondary and vocational programs, ensures a continuous pipeline of talent that's not only prepared but purpose-built for Alaskan industries. For companies looking to invest, grow, or relocate, Alaska offers more than just opportunity; it offers a workforce that's ready on day one, with the skills, grit, and community-minded spirit to get the job done.

Alaska's Educational Edge

Alaska Resource Education (ARE) is a statewide nonprofit that helps prepare the next generation of Alaskans to understand and engage with the state's resource industries. Founded in 1982, ARE provides hands-on curriculum that connects classroom learning with Alaska's natural resources and economy. Through partnerships with local educators and leading industry professionals, ARE builds awareness of how responsible resource development and environmental stewardship can support thriving communities and sustainable growth. Its programs, which are funded through state, corporate, and individual support, align with Alaska State Science Standards ensuring relevance to both education and workforce readiness.

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