PWSC News

Man in front of kayak trailer. Read More

Building connections through kayaking in Prince William Sound

 |  Vicki Heisser  | 

Dr. Benjamin Rush's connection to Taiwan is not just a passing phase. Before moving to Alaska, he directed the outdoor leadership program at the University of Taiwan. His passion for the outdoors and his desire to bridge cultures through shared experiences led him, PWSC, and his former college in Taiwan to create unique travel experiences. This summer, their efforts pay off as they successfully organize two non-credit kayak trips for the first time, offering a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Several people in kayaks by glacier. Read More

Professional development tailored to Alaska teachers...2024 For Teachers Courses at PWSC

 |  Vicki Heisser  | 

During a content-rich week, participants immerse themselves in classroom and field exercises to deepen teaching pedagogy. Teachers will walk away with lesson plans, resources, tools to help fit the curriculum into a classroom or virtual learning environment, and examples of place-based lesson planning.

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The second Yamaha Marine Maintenance Certification Program (MCP) Instructor training held at PWSC.

 |  Vicki Heisser  | 

The second Yamaha Marine Maintenance Certification Program (MCP) Instructor training was held at Prince William Sound College from May 20 to 22, 2024. Representatives from Yamaha, including Dan Jedlicka (District Service Manager) and Kenyon Ward (Workforce Development at Yamaha Marine), visited the campus to support and train educators from across the state. This visit is part of a larger initiative by Yamaha Marine and the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium (AMEC) to establish marine technical training programs across Alaska's population centers.

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Prince William Sound College receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant.

 |  Dawson Moore  | 

Prince William Sound College (PWSC) is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $50,000. This grant will support the 2025 Valdez Theatre Conference (VTC). In total, the NEA will award 1,135 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling more than $37 million as part of its second round of fiscal year 2024 grants.

Poster of a theatre play. Read More

The 32nd Annual Valdez Theatre Conference will be held June 8-15 this year.

 |  Dawson Moore  | 

The 32nd Annual Valdez Theatre Conference will be held June 8-15 this year. There will be great free public performances at the Valdez Civic Center.

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Congratulations, PWSC Graduates!

 |  Vicki Heisser  | 

We want to thank Commander Sarah Rousseau, Commanding Officer of Marine Safety Unit Valdez, for honoring us with her inspiring presence and delivering an unforgettable address to the graduating class 2024 at Prince William Sound College's commencement ceremony. Thank you, Commander Rousseau!

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Graduate spotlight: Hannah Bogdan

 |  Vicki Heisser  | 

Congratulations to Hannah Bogdan on her graduation from PWSC today! Hannah feels proud and accomplished about graduating and expressed her gratitude to her family, Dr. Amanda Glazier, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and Martina Lohmar, for their support. She expressed her appreciation to PWSC for all the opportunities it has provided her, which she immensely enjoyed.

People in kayaks on the water. Read More

Embark on Adventure: PWSC's Kayak Capstone Expedition!

 |  Vicki Heisser  | 

We are pleased to announce that PWSC's outdoor leadership students are starting their Kayak Capstone Expedition. As part of their capstone class project this academic year, the students have planned and will execute a 14-day kayak expedition from Whittier to Valdez. Dr. Benjamin Rush, assistant professor of outdoor leadership, and Carrie Abruzzo will lead this expedition. It's an exciting opportunity for the students to put their skills into practice and gain invaluable hands-on experience.

Girl on a skiff on the water. Read More

Graduate spotlight: Arianna Ryan

 |  Vicki Heisser  | 

Arianna Ryan is graduating from high school and college this month, which is a remarkable achievement. As she prepares to graduate, she feels mixed emotions, including nervousness and excitement. She is proud of everything she has accomplished and is grateful for the support of her mentors, Susan Harding and Alyssa Kleissler, who have been instrumental in her success.

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PWSC's Second Annual Environmental Sciences Symposium was a great success!

 |  Vick iHeisser  | 

Five students - Hannah Bogdan, Teag Panzer, Luke Stein, J. L. Chapin, and Frank Schweers - presented their independent research projects, which were made possible through the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council and Alaska Mariculture Cluster funding. Each student's presentation offered a unique perspective on pressing environmental issues, from exploring biofouling on oyster farms at the VNT Research and Educational Mariculture site to investigating the impact of Whitetail expansion.