Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/15/2024 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Alaska Vocational Technical Center | |
| Presentation: Alaska Excel | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 15, 2024
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Löki Tobin, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: ALASKA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: AVTEC EXCEL
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
CATHY LECOMPTE, Director
Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC)
Seward, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the Alaska Vocational Technical
Center Update.
JAMIE KLAES, Director of Aviation
Alaska EXCEL
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-delivered the presentation Alaska EXCEL.
CHRISTA WILSON, Executive Finance Director
Alaska EXCEL
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-delivered the presentation Alaska EXCEL.
NELLIANN SMITH, Graduate
Alaska EXCEL
Tuntutuliak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-delivered the presentation Alaska EXCEL.
NOAH ULROAN, Graduate
Alaska EXCEL
Chevak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-delivered the presentation Alaska EXCEL.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:51 PM
CHAIR LÖKI TOBIN called the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, and Chair Tobin. Senator Bjorkman
arrived thereafter.
^PRESENTATION: ALASKA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER
PRESENTATION: ALASKA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER
3:32:59 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced a presentation on the Alaska Vocational
Technical Center Update.
3:33:34 PM
CATHY LECOMPTE, Director, Alaska Vocational Technical Center
(AVTEC), Seward, Alaska, moved to slide 2 and spoke to the
layout of AVTEC and that it is a Division of the Department of
Labor and Workforce Development. The mission of AVTEC is
workforce development through training. It is the only post-
secondary training center owned by Alaska for 50 years. There
are only a few post-secondary training centers nationwide:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Leadership and Support
• Commissioner's Office
• Management Services
• Labor Market Information
• Technology Services (New)
Protect Workers
• Alaska Labor Relations Agency
• Workers' Compensation
• Labor Standards and Safety
Income Replacement
• Unemployment Insurance
• Disability Determinations
Workforce Development
• Alaska Workforce Investment Board
• Employment and Training Services
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Alaska Vocational Technical Center
• Office of Citizenship Assistance (Updated)
3:34:49 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 3 and said AVTEC is a really great
place for students from rural areas. She discussed the following
aspects of AVTEC:
Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC)
• Residential training center
• Located in Seward, Alaska
• Nationally accredited
• Student success
• 90 percent Completion
• 90 percent Employment
• Little to no student loan debt
3:37:59 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 4 and stated that in FY 23 student
participation was 1,3336 from all economic regions of Alaska:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Anchorage Matsu 27 percent
Statewide 9 percent
Southeast 8 percent
Interior 6 percent
Northern 3 percent
Southwest 14 percent
Gulf Coast 33 percent
3:38:34 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 5 and described the model of AVTEC
stating students learn through experience at half the cost and
one-third the time of traditional post-secondary education:
[Original punctuation provided.]
AVTEC Experience
• Clock hours, not credit hours
• Subject matter experts train student with
crosscutting technical and employability skills
• Life skills and employment assistance
3:42:05 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 6 and described AVTEC's training
programs where students participate in person and online:
[Original punctuation provided.]
ACTEC TRAINING PROGRAMS
• Alaska Maritime Training Center
• United States Coast Guard
• In-person and online
• Alaska Culinary Academy
• Basic culinary skills training
3:43:53 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 7 and continued speaking about the
training programs offered by AVTEC:
• Applied Technologies
• Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology
• Industrial Welding
• Business and Office Technology
• Accounting Technician
• Administrative Office Assistant
• Medical Office Assistant
• Networking Technician
3:46:05 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 8 and continued sharing training
programs:
• Energy and Building Trades
• Construction Technology
• Industrial Electricity
• Plumbing & Heating
• Refrigeration
3:48:08 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 9, and said the list is industries
where students find work. AVTEC tries to follow the priority
occupations that are identified by the Alaska Workforce
Investment Board:
[Original punctuation provided.]
AVTEC Students Work in Priority Industries
Alternative & Renewable Energy
Construction
Education
Fisheries, Seafood, & Maritime
Healthcare
Information Technology
Mining, Oil, & Gas
Service Industry
Transportation
3:48:35 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN arrived at the meeting.
3:48:57 PM
MS. LECOMPTE moved to slide 10 and said because AVTEC is small
it has flexibility and can arrange customized training.
Currently AVTEC is working to meet the needs of Trident
Seafoods. AVTEC also partners with the Alaska Energy Authority
to train power plant operators for rural areas:
Other Workforce Training at AVTEC
• Apprenticeships
• Related Technical Instruction
• IT Apprenticeship
• Customized Training
• Power Plant Operator
• Residential Building and Maintenance
3:52:07 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON said she was fascinated by AVTECH's work,
particularly in their inclusion of tiny house construction. She
asked about the square footage of the tiny houses built through
the program.
3:52:28 PM
MS. LECOMPTE replied that the tiny houses are approximately 300
square feet. She added that materials cost about $25,000 and
noted that AVTECH partners with others who provide the
materials, while AVTECH handles the construction.
3:52:50 PM
CHAIR TOBIN inquired about the student population, noting that
in FY 23 there were just over 1,300 students. She asked whether
this number represents an increase or decrease from previous
years and how it compares to pre-pandemic enrollment levels.
3:53:10 PM
MS. LECOMPTE stated that current enrollment is nearly back to
pre-pandemic levels. She explained that in fall 2019, AVTEC was
on track for its highest enrollment in five years. She noted
that AVTEC previously had a health program in Anchorage, which
attracted many students, but this program closed around 2015.
Since then, AVTEC has built enrollment in its long-term four-
and eight-month programs, which can accommodate about 165
students. Most students come through the maritime training
program, which remains robust, serving 900 to 1,000 mariners
annually. Overall, enrollment is nearly back to fall 2019
numbers.
CHAIR TOBIN asked if the maritime training program includes
certifications like the Operator Six-Pack License or if it
offers other types of certifications.
3:54:28 PM
MS. LECOMPTE explained that AVTEC's maritime training program
offers various certifications, including the Six-Pack, 100-Ton,
and 200-Ton licenses, along with radar renewal, fire safety, and
basic training. AVTEC partners with the Alaska Marine Highway to
train able-bodied seamen. The program also includes a
"hawsepipe" pathway, allowing individuals to train, accumulate
sea time, and gradually advance their licenses, with some
reaching the rank of First Mate. She highlighted that the
director of AVTEC's Maritime Training Center is an AVTEC
graduate who attained her position through this hawsepipe
pathway.
3:55:26 PM
CHAIR TOBIN thanked the presenter for sharing the impressive
course offerings at AVTEC.
3:56:07 PM
At ease
^PRESENTATION: ALASKA EXCEL
PRESENTATION: ALASKA EXCEL
3:57:43 PM
CHAIR TOBIN reconvened the meeting and announced a presentation
on Alaska EXCEL.
3:58:22 PM
JAMIE KLAES, Director of Aviation, Alaska EXCEL, Anchorage,
Alaska, said she would co-present the presentation and moved to
slide 2 to discuss the background of Alaska EXCEL:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Alaska EXCEL Background:
• November 2012: Established
• 2014: Students served 16; 4 school districts
• 2015: Students served 375; 8 school districts
• 2023: Students served 677; 12 school districts;
797 HS credits; 440 Industry certificates
• 2024: Students served 900 (projected)
MS. KLAES said shared that Alaska EXCEL, an educational
nonprofit based at the Alaska Pacific University (APU) campus in
Anchorage, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Serving rural
Alaskan students from grades 7 to 12 across 13 partner school
districts, the program is inclusive, with no GPA requirement,
aimed at engaging all students, especially those who may be less
engaged. Established in 2012 and starting with 16 students in
2014, Alaska EXCEL has grown significantly, with projections to
serve over 900 students this year. Students attend intensive
sessions, rather than a boarding school, with sessions
increasing in length as students progress through grades. She
said recently, Alaska EXCEL held their largest session to date,
hosting 90 students at the South Atwood Building on the APU
campus.
4:00:23 PM
MS. KLAES moved to slide 3 and reported that Alaska EXCEL has
served a total of 2,434 students to date, with rapidly
increasing enrollment. The program is accredited, with over
2,000 high school credits awarded and numerous industry
certifications. Alaska EXCEL partners with industry
professionals, like certified flight instructors for aviation
and retired law enforcement for public safety, ensuring students
learn directly from experts. The program has a 98.5 percent
completion rate, attributed to its robust coaching and
mentorship approach, as well as low staff turnover, allowing
students to reconnect with familiar instructors. Alaska EXCEL's
work has positively impacted graduation rates in partner
districts, particularly for students who attend multiple
sessions, known as "EXCEL concentrators." The program receives
Federal funding, so Alaska EXCEL tracks its data annually:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Impact on Rural Students
• Total Rural Alaskan Students served: 2,434
• Total High School credits Earned: 2,213
• Total Industry Certifications Earned: 1,655
• EXCEL Session Completion Rate: 98.5 percent
• High School 4-Year Graduation Rate: 88 percent
graduation rate for EXCEL Concentrators.
*Concentrator is a student who has attended two or
more Alaska EXCEL sessions. Data collected from 2017
through 2023
4:02:34 PM
MS. KLAES moved to slide 4 showing a schematic of the data
shared and also listing district partners. She stated Hoonah
just partnered with Alaska EXCEL and other would like to partner
but currently the program is at capacity. Current district
partners are:
• Lower Kuskokwim School District
• Iditarod School District
• North Slope Borough School District
• Nenana City School District
• Tanana City School District
• Kuspuk School District
• Yukon Flats School District
• Yukon-Koyukuk School District
• Yupiit School District
• Kashunamiut School District
• Alaska Gateway School District
• Non Rural Students
• Hoonah
4:03:03 PM
CHRISTA WILSON, Executive Finance Director, Alaska EXCEL,
Anchorage, Alaska, moved to slide 5 and provided information on
the three faucets of the Alaska EXCEL program:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Foundational Sessions
Career Development, Leadership Budgeting,
Personal Well Being,
• EXCEL 7 (4-days)
• EXCEL 8 (5-days)
• EXCEL 9 (6-days)
• EXCEL 10 (8-days)
• EXCEL 11 (10-days)
• EXCEL 12 (12-days)
CTE Sessions [CAREER PATHWAYS]
Fall Session Intro (12-days)
Spring Session Intermediate (13-days)
Summer Session Advanced (30-days)
• Construction Trades
• Photography/Multimedia
• Heavy Equipment/Skilled Laborer
• Medical/1st Responders
• Cosmetology/Hairdressing
• Piloting
• Aviation Mechanics
• Public Safety
• Education
• Credit Recovery/Post-Secondary Prep
Internship Sessions
Connecting recent graduates
with industry partners
• Graduate Transition
• Flight School
• George River
• MAPTS Capstone
MS. WILSON noted that while it is beneficial for students to
attend all sessions it is not necessarily realistic for the
demographic that the program works with. However, the graduation
rate is 80 to 88 percent for concentrators because the more
sessions a student attends the more likely they are to graduate
on time, and more likely they are to successfully transition
into a career after high school. Students also create a
portfolio as they go through high school to relate their skills
and work values to jobs and training opportunities. Students
also take college assessments and receive help applying for
scholarships and creating resumes. She mentioned students
visiting AVTEC to get acquainted with the campus.
4:08:27 PM
NELLIANN SMITH, Graduate, Alaska EXCEL, Tuntutuliak, Alaska,
shared that, with support from Alaska EXCEL, she has become the
first woman pilot from her hometown. She is an instrument-rated
and private pilot currently working toward her commercial
license. Alaska EXCEL's classes provided her with the tools and
support to pursue her dream, and she hopes to inspire others,
especially Native people, and women. The courses helped build
her confidence, including her ability to speak up, which was
initially challenging for her.
4:10:04 PM
MS. WILSON said after students complete a career pathway they
have the opportunity to do job internships.
4:10:19 PM
NOAH ULROAN, Staff, Alaska EXCEL, Chevak, Alaska, said he is a
former student and graduate of Alaska EXCEL and is a private
pilot with an instrument rating. He said he is currently working
towards obtaining a commercial license. He now works as a dorm
parent at Alaska EXCEL and as a ramp agent for FedEx. He stated
that the program has transformed his life and those of other
students. Through an internship, he gained hands-on experience
with a local air taxi, learning the operations from the ground
up while continuing his flight training.
4:11:04 PM
MS. WILSON mentioned other internships that are available at
Alaska EXCEL such as George River in partnership with the
Department of Fish and Game.
4:11:24 PM
MS. WILSON moved to slide 6 and said that last year when Alaska
EXCEL staff visited the Capitol, they were asked how the alumni
were doing so this year they were able to contact 188 alumni and
found that 80 percent were currently working in a career
cluster, 12 percent were in college, trade school, or the
military, and 8 percent were not working.
4:12:01 PM
MS. KLAES said from the data Alaska EXCEL learned that 94
percent of the 188 graduates said they remained in Alaska with
70 percent still living in rural Alaska. Furthermore, 68 percent
continue to live a subsistence lifestyle.
4:12:58 PM
MS. WILSON moved to slide 7 and discussed the following
challenges Alaska EXCEL faces. She mentioned that students that
had signed up were turned away due to lack of bed space:
[Original punctuation provided.]
CURRENT CHALLENGES
• Student waitlists exceed 30 percent current capacity
• Current growth rate 20 percent
• Additional Rural School Districts want to partner
• Alaska EXCEL's current Lease Agreement with APU does
not have room for expansion of the program
4:15:07 PM
MS. WILSON moved to slide 8 and said that a project has been
submitted to the Capital Project Submission and Information
System (CAPSIS) to request funding for a new, larger campus in
the Palmer-Wasilla area, which would expand program capacity by
44 percent and allow more students to gain workplace skills.
This expansion aims to improve educational equity for rural
Alaskan students. She explained that many Alaska EXCEL students
come from small village schools with only one or two teachers
serving pre-K through 12th grade, offering fewer educational
resources than urban schools. Alaska EXCEL helps bridge this
gap, providing rural students with more equitable educational
opportunities.
4:16:14 PM
MS. WILSON moved to slides 9 - 10 showing a conceptual design of
the front of the building and an arial view of its location. She
explained that the charter school currently occupying the
building plans to relocate. She described the project layout:
image number 1 (in blue) shows the existing 440,000-square-foot
building; building number 2 would serve as a dormitory for 152
students in the 7th12th grade program; building number 3 would
be a cafeteria; and building number 4 would provide a transition
dorm with 75 beds.
4:17:37 PM
MS. WILSON moved to slide 11 and explained that the budget for
the project spans four years:
Pre-Development and Design - 2024
$10,863,810
Construction of the 150-bed dormitory - 2025
$9,586,817
Remodel of existing building and adding on a cafeteria and
atrium - 2026
$7,277,597
Construction of the transition dorm - 2027
$5,861,297
4:18:16 PM
MS. WILSON moved to slide 12 and reviewed the chart and pie
graph detailing funding projections and the total project
budget. She highlighted strong partnerships with Chalista
Corporation, Doyon, and Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
(ASRC), as many students come from these regions. Chalista has
provided a verbal commitment, while discussions are ongoing with
other industry partners. ConocoPhillips, a key partner, donates
over $100,000 annually and has shown strong interest in
supporting this project. She added that the project has been
submitted to CAPSIS, with a five-year budget request totaling
$15 million, including $6 million in the first year to purchase
the building and land. Efforts to secure additional funding have
included meetings in Washington, D.C. with Senator Lisa
Murkowski for federal earmark support, as well as applications
to the Denali Commission, Mat-Su Health Foundation, Alaska
Mental Health Trust, and an active capital campaign.
4:20:07 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated there were no questions on the presentation
from committee members.
4:20:20 PM
MS. KLAES expressed that staff from Alaska EXCEL are available
to meet with legislators.
4:21:27 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Tobin adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting at 4:21 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Career and Technical Education - AVTEC Presentation 04.15.2024.pdf |
SEDC 4/15/2024 3:30:00 PM |
Education |
| Career and Technical Education - Alaska EXCEL Presentation 04.10.2024.pdf |
SEDC 4/15/2024 3:30:00 PM |
Education |