Ikayuqluta: developing a rural alaska stem workforce through collaborative place-based stem

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded the University of Alaska Fairbanks $888,749 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop and deliver an occupational endorsement in science at the university's Bristol Bay campus.

The project, titled "Ikayuqluta: Developing a Rural Alaska STEM Workforce Through Collaborative Place-Based STEM," generates new coursework and STEM research experiences designed to prepare students for work addressing STEM issues unique to rural Alaskan communities. The occupational endorsement curriculum combines classroom-based coursework, research with STEM faculty and industry professionals, and community-based field experiences. Students develop proficiency in applying STEM knowledge to context-relevant problems—such as developing reliable heat sources for Alaska's harsh winters—to address subsistence-related challenges specific to remote communities. Graduates are positioned to fill workforce gaps critical to the well-being of rural Alaskan residents.

Work is performed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a period of performance from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029. The STEM Education program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students.

Abstract

This NSF iuse-funded project aims to serve the national interest by implementing experiential learning in authentic settings to prepare a stem workforce suitable for work in rural alaska. The project titled ?ikayuqluta: developing a rural alaska stem workforce through collaborative place-based stem? And managed by faculty members at university of alaska-fairbanks campus at bristol BAY (UAF-BBC), will focus on developing stem professionals trained to address stem issues unique to the remote communities of alaska. Building on an existing curricular foundation, the project plans to generate additional coursework and stem research experiences as part of a new occupational endorsement in science (OE). OE graduates will be well prepared to work in the surrounding communities, filling a vital role in assisting residents of rural alaska in addressing stem subsistence-related issues specific to their unique context. The occupational endorsement program of study developed through this project will be designed to provide UAF-BBC students opportunities to attain a well-rounded set of knowledge and skills through a combination of classroom-based coursework, work with stem faculty members and industry-based stem professionals in research settings, and community-based field experiences. The project will aim to advance students? Proficiency in applying their stem knowledge and skills to address context-relevant issues, such as the development of reliable heat sources necessary for surviving alaska?s harsh winters. The ultimate goal of this customized grow-your-own model of stem workforce development is to graduate stem professionals prepared to fill a niche critical to ensuring the well being of communities in remote areas of alaska. The NSF iuse: EDU program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of stem education for all students. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.