AADC Supports Education Programs Around the State

Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation is committed to supporting the education and development of young people across the state. AADC has established a variety of community relationships with the goal of encouraging student achievement in the sciences and related technical fields.

 

University of Alaska Foundation - AADC Scholarship Program

AADC has established a scholarship program through the University of Alaska (UA) Foundation for college freshman seeking a four-year degree in the University of Alaska system. Graduating seniors from Alaskan high schools can apply for a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a degree in math, physics, engineering, business or a technical science field such as computer science.  These scholarships can be used at any University of Alaska campus throughout the state. Previous recipients can apply to renew their scholarships annually, depending upon the availability of funds.

The program was established in 2005 and all adminstrative functions, application processes and award disbursements are managed by the UA Foundation. Requests for information and applications should be directed to the UA Foundation in Fairbanks at (907) 450-8030. The mailing address is: 910 Yukon Drive, Suite 206, PO Box 755080, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5080.  Visit the Foundation website at www.alaska.edu/foundation/scholarships for more information.

Students should note the annual application deadline for this scholarship and all other UA Foundation scholarship programs is February 15th.  Completed and signed applications must be received (not postmarked) by that date or they will be automatically disqualified.

 

KLC College Internships

AADC offers a limited number of highly competitive college internships at the KLC each summer. Interns acquire direct, hands-on experience in facility operations and launch services support.  The specific activities and number of intern positions available vary depending upon the launch schedule and other programs active at the KLC. 

 

Space Explorers Program

AADC co-sponsors the innovative Space Explorers science education program in over 100 Alaska schools. The nationally recognized Space Explorers Portal program provides the science curriculum materials and Internet-based programs needed for Alaska schools to bring space exploration into the classroom regardless of the school's urban, suburban or bush location.

The Portal program has on-line and classroom-based activities for all grade levels, K - 12, that include lesson plans for teachers, on-line mission simulations, classroom experiments, on-line chats with astronauts and scientists, and take-home activities. Interactive and hands-on earth, space, life, and physical sciences activities and lessons teach students the fundamentals of space research and exploration.

Current participating schools include: Anchorage, Angoon, Fairbanks, Kodiak, New Stuyahok, Elim, Naknek and more. Educators are encouraged to complete an application to participate in the program.

 

Challenger Learning Center of Alaska  

The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska (CLCA) is Alaska’s premiere science education center for students throughout the state of Alaska. A 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2000, the CLCA serves over 6,000 students a year from over 30 school districts using both on-site and state-of-the-art distance learning technology. It is the only facility of its kind in the state.

Pat Ladner, Chief Executive Officer of AADC, spearheaded the movement to bring this innovative and awarding winning science education program to Alaska. He was instrumental in developing statewide interest and support of the program.

Students who visit the center are immersed in the excitement and wonder of space exploration by staffing and operating a fully functional space station simulator. More than just a computer program, the CLCA facility is designed to replicate the functions and environment of an actual space station. Students chase comets, voyage to Mars and work together to fulfill mission goals, avert crises and conduct research and experiments.

State-of-the-art distance learning technology brings the same type of space exploration experience to remote communities across Alaska, making it possible for students and teachers to have access to CLCA programs and resources via the Internet.

The inspiration and vision provided by an experience at the Challenger Learning Center is a critical and valuable resource to promoting science education and higher learning to the young people of Alaska.

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