Chasing Alaska’s Wild Classroom

Brayden Stanger is a junior college student studying Environmental Science at Prince William Sound College (PWSC). After spending two years studying Environmental Sciences at the University of Vermont, he decided it was time for a change and found PWSC’s hands-on, place-based learning approach to be the perfect fit.

Originally from the Northeast, Brayden has embraced life in Alaska, where the rugged landscapes of Valdez provide endless opportunities to explore, learn, and engage with the environment firsthand. Outside of school, he enjoys biking, backpacking, skiing, and birdwatching, and has recently been developing his photography skills, capturing Alaska’s beauty and complexity.

Brayden first discovered PWSC while exploring opportunities to study and work in Alaska. He was drawn to the college’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, small class sizes, and a tight-knit community. He describes the Valdez atmosphere as “welcoming and supportive,” which enables students to form deep connections with instructors, classmates, and the surrounding environment.

After completing his program at PWSC, Brayden plans to study in Patagonia for a semester, return to Alaska to work as a Biological Science Technician over the summer, and then continue toward his bachelor’s degree. His long-term goal is to build a career in field ecology and conservation, contributing to sustainable environmental management and research.

Brayden says of his experience at PWSC: “Learning in a place where the environment is such a big part of everyday life allows you to see your studies come to life.”

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