Bettles Arctic Research and Learning Center

Project Date: 2008 to 2009
Project Manager: Shelly Wade
Client: City of Bettles
Location: Bettles

Project Description

The City of Bettles is proposing to develop an Arctic Research and Learning Center (ARLC), to be housed in a former school building. The community's school facility that was closed in 2002 due to low enrollment. Agnew::Beck assisted with the development of a strategic facilitation plan for the ARLC.
 
Bettles is located approximately 180 air miles northwest of Fairbanks, along the Koyukuk River and just north of the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge. Bettles also provides access to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. This location lends itself to an Arctic Research and Learning Center that combines education and science. The center will take advantage of the geographic location of the community and the resources available through the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The strategic facility plan begins the process of cultivating a more vibrant community with an attraction that welcomes young people to learn about the arctic environment. The project aims to:

• Expand local education opportunities by offering short intensive courses for middle- and high-school-age youth. Courses will focus on math, science and natural history subjects.
• Help Develop Bettles as a research hub by offering facilities for researchers to use as a base for field operations.

The goal of these activities is to:

• Increase the range and quality of educational options for area youth.
• Attract outside sources of revenue to the local community to support local economic activity and viability.
  

Publications

Bettles Arctic Research and Learning Center