The Marine Ecology for Teachers program at PWSC is specifically tailored for non-science teachers interested in learning about marine ecosystem relationships and gaining place-based, culturally responsive knowledge, awareness, and practical skills. The annual May course includes kayaking, touring Solomon Gulch Hatchery, learning about the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and exploring marine ecology field techniques in Valdez, Alaska.
Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th, marking a critical moment in American history. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth commemorates the liberation of enslaved African Americans and represents the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality, and justice.
In late May, Isaac Stevens, an outdoor leadership student at PWSC, completed a 14-day, 150-mile kayaking expedition from Whittier, AK, to Valdez, AK, as part of his program's capstone project. The experience was both challenging and rewarding.
Today, we celebrate our oceans' incredible beauty and importance. We are committed to ocean conservation and sustainability. Our unique location provides us with a living laboratory to study marine life, ecosystem dynamics, and the impacts of climate change. Our students and faculty actively engage in research and projects that aim to protect and preserve our precious marine environment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
