Anson Jimmy, of Bethel, finishing up a computer built as part of ANSEP's hands-on STEM learning activities. (photo courtesy ANSEP)

Anchorage, AK – The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program is currently hosting 47 middle school students from more than 20 schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Lower Kuskokwim school districts for its February Middle School Academy at the University of Alaska Anchorage. During the two-week component, students live like college students while participating in hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities designed to foster enthusiasm for pursing an education and career in these areas.

Thanks to the generous support of ANSEP’s strategic partners, the February session is one of eight Middle School Academies planned for 2017. On Friday, Feb. 17, students received a special visit from Vivian Korthuis, CEO of Association of Village Council Presidents. AVCP joined ANSEP last year as a strategic partner, by way of a three-year $1.5 million grant. AVCP supports students from the region through ANSEP’s suite of components. Korthuis stopped by as students were finishing up the computers they built this week as part of an innovative curriculum designed immerse students in hands-on STEM learning activities.

“It was an honor to have Vivian on campus to experience an integral part of our program – the computer build – and visit with students who are directly benefiting from AVCP’s generosity. The funds awarded last year allowed us to expand our reach in the Yukon-Kuskowim Delta region, meaning more students from this area will arrive academically and socially prepared for college and for their careers,” said ANSEP Founder and Vice Provost Dr. Herb Ilisaurri Schroeder.

Throughout Middle School Academy, students participate in a number of team-based STEM learning activities centered around real-world problem solving, such as Arctic wall and bridge builds as well as earthquake engineering and science exploration sessions led by industry professionals and ANSEP staff. The students chosen to participate in the all-expenses-paid, residential component include:

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

• Homer Middle School: Hannah Hatfield
  
• McNeil Cangon Elementary (Homer): Jenna Lapp
  
• Nanwalek School: Lavenya Hetrick and Abigail Kvasnikoff
  
• Nikiski Middle/High School: Dwyght Mullins
  
• Skyview Middle School (Soldotna): Rhys Cannava, Harley Johnson and Ayden See
  
• Tebughna School (Tyonek): Alicia Smoke
  
• Tustumena Elementary School (Soldotna): Trinity Donovan and Evan Veihdeffer
  

Lower Kuskokwim School District

• Akiuk Memorial School (Kasigluk): Katie Dementieff
• Akula Elitnaurvik School (Kasigluk): Victoria Beaver, Kaylila Johnston and Korben Martin
• Anna Tobeluk Memorial School (Nunapitchuk): Eliza Enoch, Wassilie Tobeluk and Alexandra Watson
• Ayaprun Elitnaurvuk School (Bethel): Atsaruaq Bill, Hayden Carlson, Anson Jimmie and Alyssa Motgin
• Bethel Regional High School: Cheyenne Murphy and Carmen Wasuli
• Ket’acik Aapalluk Memorial School (Kwethluk): Bradley Jackson and Dustin Jackson
• Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat: Kody Cleveland
• Kwigillingok School: Jelsa Beaver, Reagan Evon, Kyra John, Jerome Paul and Sean Snyder
• Nelson Island School (Toksook Bay): Summer Cartier
  
• Nuniwarmiut School (Mekoryuk): Kaylee King
  
• Tebughna School (Kasigluk): Daniel Slim
  
• Z.J. Williiams Memorial School (Napaskiak): John Amik
  

The ANSEP model begins at the middle school level and continues through high school and into college undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs. A recent study released by ANSEP in conjunction with the University of Alaska and State Department of Education and Early Development revealed that more than 60 percent of Alaska’s college-bound students require remediation upon entering the university. Students who start with ANSEP in middle school do not need remediation, and 77 percent complete algebra 1 before entering high school. Nationally, that number is 26 percent. ANSEP saves families years of college tuition because high school students earn college credit, and ANSEP saves the state millions of dollars as students move through the education system faster. To learn more about ANSEP and its components, visit www.ANSEP.net.

About Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
Started in 1995 as a scholarship program for university students, ANSEP has evolved into a longitudinal education model that provides a continuous string of components beginning with students in sixth grade and continuing on through high school, into science and engineering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through to the PhD.
http://www.ansep.net