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 2026
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.
ASRC Federal Wins $2.3B Military Logistics Contract
ASRC Federal, a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, won a $2.3 billion, five-year contract to continue managing military chemical and oil supplies.
Characteristics of Leadership: Ego
Throughout 2026, this series on effective leadership will interview knowledgeable Alaskans and share their methods of aligning values with ethical conduct. This month’s topic: the pitfalls of out-of-control ego.
Generations Southeast Vocational Training Center Signs Up to Fill Shipyard Workforce
Generations Southeast Vocational Training Center signed a deal with the owner and operator of the Ketchikan Shipyard to promote workforce development.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!