Spectrum

Governor Murkowski has proposed the total elimination of the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) within the next two months. I believe that this will be a terrible mistake for both present and future generations of Alaskans.

ASTF was created in 1988 with a $100 million endowment from the Permanent Fund. Its mission has been to enhance technology and education for Alaskans. Since its inception, ASTF has awarded over $126 million in grants while maintaining its principal endowment. All awards have been distributed from the interest earned by the fund's investments.

An important component of ASTF is its grant program for Alaska math and science teachers. Teachers compete for grant money and may be awarded grants for their classrooms based on the merits of their proposals. These proposals must address 'real life' issues impacting Alaska's future.

I have taught in Alaska for 24 years, the last 19 of which have in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. During the past ten years, I have been extremely fortunate to receive a number of ASTF grants. While local school funding for innovative classroom projects has become tighter or, in most cases, nonexistent, ASTF has given me a lifeline to provide authentic math and science educational experiences for my students.

Because of ASTF funds, several hundred of my former students have learned new skills to begin to address some of the unique issues that Alaska faces. One group of students, using their math and physics knowledge, developed architectural plans to prevent Alaska's buildings from collapsing due to excessive snow load. Another class worked at successfully reclaiming and revegetating an abandoned strip coal mine site. One of my favorite projects involved my students researching and implementing ways to curtail pollution runoff into Wasilla Lake. This year my class is investigating methods to balance habitat protection with healthy economic growth in the local community.

Several of my former students have gone on to careers in math, technology, or science. I believe that my ASTF-funded projects may have been instrumental in influencing these career choices. It has not only been my students who have benefited from ASTF grants. Research has shown that 85% of the students who participate in ASTF-funded projects show increased interest and achievement in science. Isn't this the direction that we should be headed in education?

ASTF has benefited the local schools and the local economy. Mat-Su teachers have consistently brought home more ASTF grants than any other school district in Alaska. Historically ASTF funds have attracted nearly three times the initial award amount from matching private source funds.

If Governor Murkowski kills the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation, the benefit will be short-lived. The money will provide some relief for a few short months, while the fund will permanently eliminated. Gone will be the educational opportunities for thousands of future students.

As the Alaska Pipeline is the backbone of our resource economy, ASTF represents another kind of pipeline -- one that taps into the renewable intellectual resources of our young people. It helps to nurture and develop young adults into competent workers will have the skills to solve Alaska's complex social and economic issues. Can we really afford to forever turn off this pipeline of opportunity?

Joe Nolting lives in Palmer.