T3 students envision Alaska’s energy future

The 2026 T3 Alaska Summer Program, Energy, Cybersecurity, & Storytelling, brought together students from rural and urban Alaska to explore energy solutions for their communities. Their diverse perspectives created opportunities to compare local energy challenges, dependencies, and visions for the future.

“I wanted to come to the T3 Summer Program so I can learn about energy, solar panels, and renewable/non renewable energy. The ones [ideas] that interest me most is how renewable energy is used,” said Isaac Allen, a recent Bethel Regional High School graduate.

Students explored how energy shapes daily life in Alaska, particularly in rural communities that operate as microgrids—localized energy systems that generate and distribute their own electricity rather than relying on the Railbelt grid. They examined the challenges of diesel dependence, rising fuel costs, and the opportunities created by renewable energy technologies.

Through field experiences and conversations with energy professionals, participants learned about solar, hydropower, and wind systems and how they are adapted for Alaska’s unique environments. Working alongside ACEP staff, students also explored dispatchable loads and other strategies that help communities maximize renewable energy resources.

“I learned that Chevak actually uses windmills already,” said Trisha Francis, a sophomore from Chevak. “We have windmills in our community that produce energy as part of a successful wind-diesel hybrid system. We can use more windmills in the future.”

A highlight of the program was learning how Indigenous knowledge and community values can guide energy decisions. AlexAnna Salmon, President of the Igiugig Village Council, shared how her community developed a salmon-conscious hydropower solution through RivGen technology. “When I started working on this project, I wasn’t an energy expert. I cared about the salmon and wanted to help with the sustainability of my community,” she told students.

Participants combined their new energy knowledge with technology skills to create 3D maps of their villages, highlighting key infrastructure, existing energy systems, and their visions for the future. Public presentations helped students see themselves as problem-solvers and future leaders in Alaska’s energy landscape.

“T3’s vision is not only to provide students with opportunities to learn about technology,” said George Reising, ACEP Lead Curriculum Developer. “The unique value in our methodology is teaching students to use that knowledge to improve life in their communities. What is more pressing and relevant to all Alaskans than energy?”

For some students, the work will continue at home. “We will share with the Cordova Electric Cooperative and present to members of our local T3 club who didn’t attend this program,” one participant explained.

By connecting energy education with storytelling and place, students demonstrated that Alaska’s energy future is about more than technology—it is about strengthening communities, cultures, and the next generation of leaders.

The 2026 T3 Summer Program was made possible with funding from the  Office of Naval Research initiative, ACEP, the ARCTIC Program; the Alaska Department of Transportation and Facilities; LYSD and the Chugach Futures Grant  and with support from AVCP.