Cultural teacher Teresa Smith talks with Ethan Sundown, a sophomore from Bethel, about installing the keel on a model kayak he is building in Anchorage on Wednesday. (Bob Hallinen / ADN)

Twenty youths from 19 communities across Alaska gathered at the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program building to work on model kayaks. The kayak-building assignment is one of the hands-on projects that are part of the five-week summer mathematics program at ANSEP. The students can earn college-level credit in math after completing the program.

Nome sophomore Reese Bahnke eyeballs the keel on a model kayak he is building in Anchorage on Wednesday. (Bob Hallinen / ADN)

Some of the students started participating in ANSEP programs in sixth grade and have been back every year since. For others, this is their first year. Students can return to the program, which exposes students from rural Alaska to careers in engineering and math, until they get their Ph.D.

Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
ANSEP’s objective is to effect systemic change in the hiring patterns of Alaska Natives in science and engineering by placing our students on a career path to leadership.
http://www.ansep.net