Alaska Resource Education (ARE), formerly known as AMEREF, has won the 2011 National Minerals Education Award from the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC).

“This is a great honor and yet another reason why RDC members should be supporting such a great cause,” said RDC Executive Director Jason Brune. “The future of many of our industries depends on educating students about Alaska’s resources, which just happens to be the mission of Alaska Resource Education,” Brune added.

ARE was recognized by the IMCC for its excellence in providing educational outreach in an innovative manner that increases the level of understanding in the schools and community about mining and natural resource development.

A partnership between the Alaska Department of Education and industry, ARE focuses on teaching students and teachers about Alaska’s natural resources using its Alaska Resources Kit and Curriculum. The kit contains a standards-based, Alaska-specific interdisciplinary set of curriculum, as well as activities and support materials providing K-8 students with information about Alaska’s natural resources, including minerals, energy, forestry, oil and gas, and the state and federal permitting process. The curriculum is also adaptable for grades 9-12.

ARE also offers a “Rock & Roll Around Alaska” course for teachers. The course is designed to give teachers the tools to teach students with fun, interactive activities. ARE also arranges tours of industry sites for teachers and facilitates other programs designed to bring students face-to-face with industry leaders.

ARE is headed by Executive Director Michelle Brunner and board president Mike Heatwole. Visit ARE’s website at akresource.org.

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