Teacher Grant Opportunity

Congratulations to Catherine Walker, our 2024 teacher grant winner!!

Today’s teachers are educating tomorrow’s workforce — and we want to be a part of it! We’ve created a new, $2,500 grant that will be awarded to the Alaska teacher that proposes the most thought-provoking, engaging, and informative curricular program aimed towards educating students on our state’s oil and gas industry.

This grant is designed to empower teachers to deliver comprehensive lessons exploring the significance of the oil and gas industry and its long-term viability. Funds are to be used to support the implementation of an oil and gas-focused educational program, whether that be through covering the cost of materials, facilitating field trips, and/or making accessible other growth opportunities for both students and teachers. Please come back in May of 2025 to submit your application.

Overview of Proposal Requirements:

Proposed programs should include a curriculum and/or activities that integrate the study of the oil and gas industry into existing educational frameworks. Lessons should be designed with the goal of providing students a well-rounded understanding of the industry’s importance, impact on Alaska’s economy, role in fostering local development, and many associated careers. By enhancing students’ knowledge of the oil and gas sector, we strive to equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in related career paths and instill in them a sense of stewardship for Alaska’s treasured natural resources.

Grant Purpose and Allocation:

The requested grant of $2,500 should be utilized for one or more of the following:

• Teacher development or training
• Classroom activities and implementation
• Industry interactions or community engagement

 Impact on Students:

The grant-funded program should have a transformative impact on students and their educational journey. Examples of this include:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of this industry to Alaska’s economy and the broader implications for and impact on their communities.
• Develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities necessary for exploring complex issues related to energy resources and environmental sustainability.
• Be exposed to a wide range of career options in the oil and gas sector, and receive encouragement to consider pursuing related education and employment opportunities.
• Establish connections with industry professionals that foster mentorship opportunities and potential internships or future employment prospects.
• Develop a sense of pride and stewardship for their state’s natural resources, leading to a more sustainable approach to resource management in the future.

Reporting Expectations:

Grant recipient will be expected to give a 10-minute presentation at the May 2025 AOGA board meeting about the implementation and impact of the program. Report should include an overview of the program that was completed and how the money was spent, as well as share student outcomes, quotes, pictures etc.