University of Alaska Process Technology Support Fund launched with $400,000 contribution from ConocoPhillips Alaska

February 6, 2026

ConocoPhillips Alaska and the University of Alaska (UA) announced the launch of the ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Technology Support Fund, aimed at developing and securing the future of Alaskas industrial workforce. Anchored by a $400,000 gift from ConocoPhillips Alaska to benefit UAs Process Technology Programs in Fairbanks and on the Kenai Peninsula, this contribution and partnership represent a commitment to sustaining high-demand jobs that power Alaskas energy, mining and water treatment sectors. 

The fund helps connect classroom learning with the skills students need to step directly into industry careers. These programs are already delivering results, with 87% of 酴圖弝けProcess Technology graduates entering Alaskas workforce within a year of graduation. Continued investment ensures this successful talent pipeline remains strong and supports critical industries across the state well into the future.

酴圖弝けempowers Alaskas workforce and economy, and Im grateful to ConocoPhillips Alaska for their support of essential workforce programs, said 酴圖弝けPresident Pat Pitney. These programs are helping us build Alaskas future workforce, and the ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Technology Support Fund will help 酴圖弝けaddress Alaskas workforce, energy, and economic demands, while also offering the opportunity for more partners to invest in this vital degree program that benefits many of the states key industries and Alaskas economy. 

ConocoPhillips Alaska has a long history of supporting the University of Alaska System, investing more than $5 million in the last ten years, and builds on that legacy by providing funding to modernize program facilities and expanding technical access training for Alaskans statewide.

The University of Alaskas Process Technology program has been an integral part of building Alaskas workforce, especially at ConocoPhillips, said Erec Isaacson, ConocoPhillips Alaska President. Many of our talented operators graduated from this program, gaining hands on skills and real-world experience that prepared them to step into critical roles. This investment underscores our longstanding commitment to developing Alaskas future workforce and preparing the next generation of operators who will power Alaskas future.

Strategic impact across the 酴圖弝けSystem
This fund specifically supports the capacity of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Community and Technical College and the University of Alaska Anchorages Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) to:

  • Create early pathways: Dual enrollment at both UAF and KPC will provide high school students with early access to technical training before graduation.
  • Enhance instructional capacity:
    • The UAF CTC lab will undergo facility maintenance, receive additional instructional support, and update equipment to ensure students train on industry-relevant systems.
    • At KPC, access to a mobile simulator will help train adjunct faculty and those in the Train the Teachers program.
  • Strengthen recruitment efforts and program visibility: The gift includes support for promotional materials, advertising, and recruitment travel to reach potential students around the state, especially in rural areas.