Amundsen Educational Center...Vocational Training in a Christian Community for the People of Rural Alaska...
Amundsen Educational Center (AEC) is a faith-based non-profit, educational and vocational training school committed to social enterprise. AEC operates three educational departments: Building Hope Construction, New Frontier Vocational Technical Center, and Career Skills Institute Alaska.
Building Hope Construction
Every construction student in the history of AEC has been an Alaska Native resident from rural Alaska. With a qualified instructor to teach and guide their work, these students learn through a “hands-on” education for most aspects of the home construction. Local professionals add their services and oversight to excavating, plumbing, and electrical work and our students gain from watching these components. As part of their education, students will also complete the core NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) curriculum including Basic Safety, Introduction to Construction Math, Introduction to Hand Tools, Introduction to Power Tools, Introduction to Blue Prints, Basic Rigging, Basic Communication Skills, and Basic Employability Skills. Graduating students receive a one year Certificate in Residential Construction or two year Advanced Certificate in Residential Construction which is approved through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.
Since the 2005-2006 academic year, construction students of AEC have built a spec house
each year which has been for sale on the market after completion. In September 2009, Building Hope Construction became a licensed General Contractor, allowing us the opportunity to build homes under contract.
Currently, BHC is building a 1600 square foot ranch home. Once again, a number of students have exited our program this fall before completing their certificate. Our board and staff will be joining together soon to outline a strategic plan, determining what efforts can be made to improve student retention. Please pray for the Lord's direction as we seek to minister effectively to high-risk young people.
New Frontier Vocational Technical Center
NFVTC offers vocational tracks that focus on entry level business and office education. New Frontier students are primarily from the Central Kenai Peninsula, though New Frontier is beginning to recruit students from more rural parts of Alaska for this program as well. Currently, there are 23 students attending NFVTC. Recently, 3 students completed their programs.
NFVTC offers the following programs (authorized by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education):
Career Skills Institute Alaska
Our CSI program is committed to the development and implementation of a comprehensive career guidance model utilizing recognized state and community resources which support workforce development. Resources from the Denali Commission and the Workforce Investment Act are funding CSI to expand its program offerings in workforce development for high growth industries. CSI AK is currently working with 11 students from this area as well as students attending Alaska Christian College.
AEC Core Values:
AEC history
Click here to read about Roald Amundsen and AEC's history.
“I have learned a lot about carpentry, life, and how to help myself to stay off of drugs. This has let me see the world and the people in it with a new set of eyes. Thank you Lord for this school and the staff here at AEC.”
- Zane Paniptchuk, Inupiat from Unalakleet, AK, Class of '06
“I tell you, my life hasn't been the easiest, but since I got here it has changed a great deal. As of right now when I glance back at my life, all I can think of is “wow” and “thank you”. Amundsen Educational Center has done a lot for me, by leading me down the right path, and strengthening my faith.”
- Robert Foster, Inupiat from Noorvik, AK, Class of '08
“It’s thanks to NFVTC that I am where I am today. This is a dream job. I don’t know where I would be right now if I had not been able to go to that school.” Kate, Finance Department Frontier Community Services
AMUNDSEN EDUCATIONAL CENTER • P.O. BOX 4006 SOLDOTNA, ALASKA 99669
PHONE: 907-260-8041 • FAX: 907-260-8042