Doyon, Limited and lessees donate $50,000 to GeoFORCE Alaska
June 4, 2025
GeoFORCE Alaska, a transformative outreach program housed within the University of Alaska ix’ College of Natural Science and Mathematics, has received a $50,000 donation from Doyon, Limited and two of its lessees. This contribution provides critical support for the program’s mission to improve high school graduation rates and foster the next generation of scientists and engineers from rural Alaskan communities.
GeoFORCE Alaska, modeled after the successful GeoFORCE Texas initiative, was established in 2012 to give rural and Indigenous high school students the opportunity to explore geoscience and STEM fields through immersive, unique, and place-based learning experiences. Students in the program complete a four-year academic journey that includes summer field academies across Alaska and the Lower 48, where they gain hands-on exposure to geologic processes, scientific thinking, and real-world applications of STEM. A majority of learning is done in the field and emphasizes a hands-on approach, which encourages students to make their own observations and hypotheses–outside instead of from a textbook.
“We’re deeply grateful for this support from Doyon and its partners,” said Sarah Fowell, GeoFORCE Alaska director. “Donations from corporations and individuals allow us to offer the GeoFORCE experience at no cost to students or their families.”
Since the program is free for participating students it relies heavily on the support of donors and other supporters. The most recent graduating cohort, who completed the program in June 2023, saw 100% of its students finish high school, with over 50% enrolling or planning to enroll in college — several pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields.
“Doyon has been a long supporter of GeoFORCE and we are very happy to volunteer time as well as financial support,” said Matthew Hanson, resource manager at Doyon, Limited. “Over the past 12 years, this program has given students from off the road system a unique opportunity to explore the sciences. The participants of this program have an over 90% graduation rate and a high percentage go on to higher education. It’s a fantastic program.”
Mentorship is another pillar of the GeoFORCE experience. Program mentors, often professional geologists, and current graduate and undergraduate students help guide the students through their academic and personal development.
“It’s fun seeing them grow each year,” said Jaenell Manchester, a returning program mentor and GIS Analyst for Doyon. “I’m excited to return this year to help students connect what they’ve learned in Alaska about geologic processes with what they'll see in the Southwest — traveling 200 million years into the past,” she said. “I think GeoFORCE is such a great program, and I’m so happy that Doyon supports it.”
With the continued support of partners like Doyon, GeoFORCE Alaska will remain a vital force in shaping the futures of rural and Indigenous youth — empowering them to pursue higher education and careers in the Alaskan workforce.
For more information about GeoFORCE Alaska or to learn how to support the program, visit the .