PWSC News

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Student Reflection: Xavier Garcia’s Lessons from the Alaskan Backcountry

 |  V. Heisser  | 

Xavier Garcia, an outdoor leadership student, shares insights from his personal journal after a six-day backpacking trip in the Alaskan backcountry, highlighting the physical challenges and his growth in leadership skills.

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From Hatchery to Lab: High School Students Explore Alaska’s Fish & Wildlife

 |  V. Heisser  | 

Adjunct instructor Kelsey Stanbro—an ecologist and wildlife and fisheries biologist with the Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission (AITRC)—is teaching BIOL A190 ST: Biota of Alaska: Fish and Wildlife Techniques as a dual-enrollment course for high school students in the Copper River School District (CRSD). This 1-credit course is embedded in the General Biology course offered at CRSD, offering the students the opportunity for college credit while also completing their high school Biology requirement.

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From the Classroom to the Country’s Largest National Park

 |  V. Heisser  | 

This summer, Prince William Sound College student Rein Davis turned a passion for nature into real-world experience through an internship at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve — the largest national park in the United States.

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Discovering Alaska’s Flora: Outdoor Leadership Plant Identification Class

 |  V. Heisser  | 

Outdoor leadership students and natural resources technician students took a closer look at Alaska’s wild lands in a plant identification and classification class taught by Paul Nylund.

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Start Your Healthcare Journey – CNA Training

 |  V. Heisser  | 

Join Providence Valdez Medical Center’s upcoming CNA training program starting September 8, 2025—earn your certification, gain hands-on experience, and qualify for full tuition reimbursement by becoming a PVMC employee.

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Hands-On Impact: PWSC Graduate Joins Copper River Watershed Team

 |  V Heisser  | 

Rosel Burt, a recent Prince William Sound College graduate, earned Occupational Endorsement Certificates in Natural Resources and Marine Natural Resources Technician. This summer, she applied her training with the Copper River Watershed Project, where she assisted with invasive plant management, field surveys, and community outreach. We spoke with Amanda Jackson, Watershed Stewardship Program Manager, to learn more about Rosel’s work and impact.

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Welcome to Valdez: A New Year Begins at PWSC

 |  V Heisser  | 

We’re thrilled to welcome our newest and returning students from across the country and around the world to our beautiful corner of the planet — Valdez, Alaska! Orientation Week is officially in full swing at Prince William Sound College, and the campus is buzzing with new faces, big dreams, and the excitement of a new academic year.

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Welcome back, Joseph Williams!

 |  V. Heisser  | 

We’re excited to share that Joseph Williams, who graduated this past May, has returned to Prince William Sound College—this time to continue his education and serve as a resident assistant (RA)!

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New Outdoor Leadership Students Prepare for Adventure!

 |  V. Heisser  | 

Our newest cohort of outdoor leadership students is embarking on the Introduction to Backpacking in Alaska course, where they will learn the essentials of trip planning and selecting personal, group, and safety equipment for overnight excursions.

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PWSC Scholarships — Apply by Aug. 15!

 |  V. Heisser  | 

Fall semester scholarships are open for first-year, continuing, and transfer students. Awards recognize academic achievement, community engagement, and more. Learn more and apply. Deadline: August 15, 2025