AVTEC Signs Teacher Housing Agreement with Lower Kuskokwim School District
Photo Credit: PhotoVS | Envato
The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lower Kuskokwim School District (LKSD) to provide tiny homes for educators. LKSD will pay for materials and shipping, and the completed homes will be barged directly to communities in the Bethel area.
Building Skills and Homes
While the exact number of tiny houses has not been determined, several tiny houses are intended to be built under the new agreement. Many communities were discussed to receive the first tiny home, including Kwethluk, Kasigluk, Atmautluak, or Napakiak. A final decision will likely be made closer to the completion of the first tiny home.
AVTEC will start building the first tiny home for the region in January, with delivery expected in 2026.
“This new partnership with the LKSD will provide rural teacher housing at a fraction of the cost while AVTEC students continue to receive a high-quality industry-recognized education,” says Catherine Muñoz, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Current Issue
January 2025
AVTEC’s construction technology program trains Alaskans through a 630-hour, industry-recognized National Center for Construction Education and Research training curriculum. The program starts in January and concludes in May.
AVTEC has sought to build partnerships like the one with the LKSD as a way to benefit all regions of Alaska, help keep costs down for students, and provide students with the training of building a home from start to finish.
“Training Alaskans for success in high demand careers is a priority for my administration,” says Governor Mike Dunleavy. “This agreement is an innovative solution to one of Alaska’s workforce challenges. AVTEC students gain valuable skills while contributing to Alaska’s rural housing needs, giving school districts an important tool to attract and retain teachers.”
Housing in many communities in Alaska is a barrier for many to enter into local workforces, and this challenge is especially present in rural Alaska where existing housing for teachers is aging and needs replacement. Revitalizing the region’s housing for teachers will be a helpful tool to recruit and retain educators to work in schools throughout the region.
AVTEC is a vocational training center operated by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. AVTEC offers ten vocational education programs in addition to construction technology, including industrial welding, culinary arts, and diesel/heavy equipment technologies. Classes start in August or January. AVTEC also offers a number of maritime courses, with start dates throughout the year.
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