Exciting things are happening at the Qatqiññiaġvik Learning Center!
Our Fall CTE Intensive is officially underway! From September 14 through October 1, students from across the North Slope are coming together at Qatqiññiaġvik Learning Center to learn new skills, explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and build friendships with students from other communities.
Students are participating in Construction Trades I–II through the Tiny Home Project, Small Engines, and Photo, Video & Music Production.
Tiny Home Project
Twelve students are working together to build a tiny home while learning construction, measurement, framing, tool use, workplace safety, problem-solving, and teamwork.
We asked students what they have enjoyed and learned during the intensive:
“I signed up for the CTE Intensive construction program, and I have learned a lot, including team building, measurement, and framing.”
“Some of my favorite things about the intensive are the friends I’m making, the work, the food, and lots more.”
“Doing activities, learning a trade, and making new friends.”
Their comments show that our intensives are about more than learning a trade. Students are building confidence, making new friends, discovering new interests, and creating memories with students from across the North Slope.
Building on Last Spring’s Success
Last spring, students in our CTE Construction Intensive successfully completed a 10' × 10' shed. The fully insulated shed includes doors and a window, plywood interior walls, electrical outlets, lighting, and electrical service capable of supporting the operation of a welder.
The District is now working through the process to sell the student-built shed, with the intent of using available proceeds to help support future CTE construction projects.
The success of the shed allowed us to look toward an even bigger opportunity for our students - building a Tiny Home!
A special Quyanaq to the North Slope Borough and Mayor’s Office for supporting the Tiny Home Project and providing a facility where our students can complete the build. We especially thank Mayor Josiah Patkotak for his assistance and support in making this opportunity possible.
Because of this support, our students are taking the next step from building a 10' × 10' shed to constructing a Tiny Home, which we plan to complete during this school year.
We also thank the NSBSD Board of Education, Superintendent’s Office, principals, counselors, teachers, staff, instructors, families, and community partners who continue to support QLC and CTE opportunities for our students.
We look forward to sharing more as these projects take shape and our students continue building new skills, confidence, friendships, and experiences to take home to their communities.
Quyanaqpak to everyone investing in our students and their future!
