Coeur Alaska commits $100,000 to support University of Alaska Southeast diesel and welding courses for Juneau high school students

The University of Alaska Southeast and Coeur Alaska, Inc. are pleased to announce Coeur’s commitment to fund introductory diesel and welding courses for local high school students at the UAS School of Career and Technical Education. Coeur’s $100,000 commitment will cover students’ tuition and fees through Spring 2026, significantly boosting the program’s accessibility and sustainability.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: December 10, 2024

The University of Alaska Southeast and Coeur Alaska, Inc. are pleased to announce Coeur’s commitment to fund introductory diesel and welding courses for local high school students at the UAS School of Career and Technical Education. Coeur’s $100,000 commitment will cover students’ tuition and fees through Spring 2026, significantly boosting the program’s accessibility and sustainability.

"We are excited to partner with UAS on this workforce development initiative," said Steve Ball, General Manager at Coeur Alaska’s Kensington Mine. "By investing in local students, we are not only fostering their future success but also building a strong and sustainable workforce for Southeast Alaska's mining industry and beyond."

The Diesel 101 and Welding 120 courses at UAS are scheduled for “zero hour” before the start of the regular school day, allowing high school students to complete the courses for university credit while finishing high school. These courses are part of the Mining Pathways program, a collaboration between industry, UAS, and the Juneau School District that exposes students to the fields of power technology, environmental science, and geology. Participants gain hands-on experience, earn college credits, and follow a clear path from high school to rewarding careers in vital local industries. The initiative, which is set to become an occupational endorsement certificate in Fall 2025, aims to build a skilled and vibrant workforce in Southeast Alaska and inspire high school students to explore the diverse and high-paying careers in mining.

"The support from Coeur Alaska significantly strengthens this program's ability to inspire and prepare the next generation of mining professionals," remarked Chancellor Aparna Palmer. "Their commitment underscores the importance of education-industry partnerships in fostering economic and workforce development in our region."

Coeur Alaska, Inc. is a longtime partner, directly connected to areas of UAS’ academic and research focus and benefitting hundreds of students. In addition to supporting the Mining Pathways program, Coeur Alaska established the Coeur Alaska Kensington Mine Environmental Science Award at UAS over 30 years ago. Coeur Alaska, Inc. owns and operates the Kensington Mine, an underground, hard-rock gold mine located 45 miles north-northwest of Juneau, and is the second-largest employer in the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska.

For more information on the Mining Pathways program or partnership opportunities, please contact Chris Natynski at crnatynski@alaska.edu.