Education That Prepares Students for Life
Alaska sits on some of the world's most important deposits of critical minerals. Yet too often we educate students for jobs somewhere else, while importing workers for jobs right here at home.
If Alaska is going to play a leading role in America's future in energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, and resource development, then our schools, apprenticeships, community colleges, and universities must become part of that strategy.
My priorities are:
Prepare students for Alaska's future
Parents, educators, communities, and local leaders understand the needs of their students better than distant bureaucracies. Education should empower local communities to prepare students for success.
Create pathways from classrooms to careers
Students need multiple pathways to success. Skilled trades, technical education, certifications, and career training should be valued alongside traditional academic pathways.
Keep the opportunity in Alaska
Education should connect directly to opportunity. Strong partnerships between schools, businesses, unions, industry, and higher education can help students move from the classroom into meaningful careers.