Partnerships the Prepare Alaska's Workforce
Workforce-focused philanthropy and partnership play a critical role in preparing Alaska’s future workforce at the University of Alaska. Together, donor and industry support help make the educational experience more reflective of the career environments that students will enter after graduation.
The highly effective Construction Management Initiative, launched in 2022 by UA Foundation Board member and donor, Meg Nordale, is an example of workforce-focused philanthropy in action. The partnership between UA and Alaska’s construction industry has strengthened alignment between education and workforce needs and increased graduation rates in construction management across UA by 78 percent in three years. It has helped to address the ongoing statewide demand for skilled professionals.
A Process Technology Initiative was launched in December 2025 when ConocoPhillips Alaska gave to benefit programs at the University of Alaska Anchorage Kenai Peninsula College and University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College.
“This partnership isn’t abstract or theoretical,” said Mak Kampen, maintenance manager for ConocoPhillips Alaska. “It is important that students graduate with experience that closely mirrors real operational environments, and that faculty have the tools they need to teach current industry standards. It makes the transition to job sites smoother, safer and more successful.”
Teri Cothren, associate vice president of academic and student affairs at the University of Alaska, also emphasized the value of collaboration and said, “Anytime we can partner more intentionally with industry, it creates greater access to career opportunities for Alaskans.”
For many years, First National Bank Alaska has supported a range of workforce and scholarship programs system-wide, including scholarships for students pursuing maritime workforce training at the UAS Ketchikan campus. Graduates of the Maritime Training Center programs are vital to Alaska’s maritime economy throughout Southeast Alaska. During spring commencement, the UAS Maritime Training Center shared a Facebook post that summed it up well, “Congratulations to our welding, maritime, and nursing students, three paths, one shared goal: building the skills that keep our communities strong.”
Gifts that help build the skills to keep Alaska’s communities strong come in many forms. In addition to scholarship support that aids student recruitment and retention, donor investments help expand awareness of career pathways, strengthen curriculum, enhance learning environments and provide hands-on training opportunities aligned with industry needs. Philanthropic support has enabled the university to upgrade equipment, modernize instructional spaces and provide real-world learning experiences that might not otherwise be possible.
Beyond oil and gas and construction, most employment sectors in Alaska depend on UA graduates and programs, made stronger through generous donor and industry partnerships. This year, Providence Health & Services and the Mat-Su Health Foundation helped bolster healthcare programs at UAA. In support of aviation, Atlas Air gave to UAA and Joe Spratt gave to UAF. The Jim and Vickie Jansen Foundation supported auto diesel at UAF and UAA, while Lynden, Inc. and Alaska West Express supported UAF diesel and heavy equipment certification programs. Alyeska Pipeline supported engineering programs at UAA, while Hecla Greens Creek Company and Coeur Alaska, Inc. supported mining at UAS. Jay Ramras, Pike’s Landing, Chef Jeff Brooks and Holland America Princess provided support for Fire Science students, and the list continues to grow.
“At the end of the day, a partner is simply someone who believes in the same outcome,” said Kevin Alexander, dean of UAF CTC. “We are all pulling in the same direction. We are collectively building the economic future for Alaska. It takes us all.”
Story by Maggie Demers, director of communications and PR, UA Foundation 2026 Annual Report