#United States #Alaska Pacific University #North Cascades Institute #Master's degree #Palmer, Alaska

A New Pathway for Graduate Students

Alaska Pacific University (APU) has introduced an innovative partnership with the North Cascades Institute (NCI) called the "Cascadia Pathway." This exciting initiative offers students the chance to earn a Master of Arts in Outdoor and Environmental Education with the unique advantage of incurring no tuition debt while opening the door to guaranteed employment at NCI during their studies.

This two-year program allows students to gain valuable experience in the field while obtaining their degree. According to Steve Rubinstein, director of the Master's program, "We recognize that pursuing graduate studies demands considerable time and financial investment. This program aims to mitigate that financial burden while offering students an unparalleled opportunity to engage in place-based education across the Pacific Northwest."

The Structure of the Program

In the first year, students will immerse themselves in Alaska's dramatic wilderness, where they will not only study but also begin to apply their learning through practical experiences. Their second year will take place at the NCI's prestigious Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake in Washington State’s North Cascades. Here, they will benefit from numerous paid teaching positions that involve educating both children and adults about environmental stewardship.

APU's Kellogg Campus in Palmer, Alaska, serves as the starting point for this program. This expansive 800-acre site includes 200 acres of open fields and 600 acres of untouched forest, offering students ample opportunity to practice what they learn as part of the Kellogg FIELD School initiative.

Highlights of the Cascadia Pathway

• - Debt-Free Education: Students can earn their Master’s degree without facing the burden of student loans.
• - Guaranteed Employment: Job opportunities are available during the program, leading into long-term positions post-graduation.
• - Unique Study Locations: Participants can experience both the rugged terrains of Alaska and the biodiversity of the North Cascades.
• - Accessible Higher Education: This program makes advanced education more affordable, promoting wider access for aspiring environmental educators.

The educational approach involves hands-on experiences paired with academic learning, notably offering students chances to create and implement outdoor educational programs at the Kellogg FIELD School. This method is designed to prepare them for diverse roles in outdoor and environmental education sectors.

Student Success Stories

Graduates of the MSOEE program express how their experiences have been transformative. For instance, Emily Miller credits the program with helping her to develop an environmental curriculum consulting business while also allowing her to be selected as Alaska Region's sole trainer for the National Park Service's Climate Change Communication program. Miller's journey exemplifies how the program cultivates opportunities through experiential learning and personalized educational paths.

About the Partner Organizations

The North Cascades Institute is dedicated to fostering transformative learning experiences in nature, prioritizing environmental education, outdoor enjoyment, and community engagement. Its award-winning Environmental Learning Center not only serves as a base for students but also hosts various family and community programs that emphasize conservation and wellness.

On the other hand, Alaska Pacific University stands out as a leading institution highly committed to Indigenous education and culturally responsive teaching practices. They offer a wide range of programs from undergraduate certificates to doctoral studies.

Conclusion

This new partnership between APU and NCI is a groundbreaking step towards making advanced education in outdoor and environmental education both accessible and practical. It empowers future educators to thrive in their fields with real-world experience, a strong community network, and minimal financial constraints, ultimately contributing to a more educated and environmentally aware society.