ANSEP welcomes largest-ever group at its first virtual Acceleration Academy

ANCHORAGE– The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program continues to help Alaska’s students get ahead during these uncertain times by holding its Acceleration Academy Summer component virtually for the first time. ANSEP selected 93 students from 31 communities across the state to participate.

This five-week component, designed to prepare students academically and socially for college and eventually a successful career, gives current high school students the opportunity to take college courses, receive academic support and engage in hands-on learning. Students who stick with Acceleration Academy year-round can go from their freshman year of high school to completing a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska system in six years or less. This has them ready to enter Alaska’s workforce as early as age 20. Acceleration Academy (Summer) also lessens the financial burden of college by allowing a student to earn college credits as part of their high school experience without having to pay for college tuition.

It’s traditionally held on the UAA campus to allow students to be immersed in the college lifestyle to set them up for success after high school, however, due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, ANSEP decided to hold its summer components online. ANSEP educators and UAA professors teamed up to make these components possible.

“For 10 years, Acceleration Academy (Summer) has given students the ability to get on the fast track to a STEM career,” said ANSEP Founder and Vice Provost Dr. Herb Schroeder. “For the first time, ANSEP had no choice but to hold all of our summer components online. With the health and safety of our future STEM leaders in mind, our educators stepped up and recreated the components so it could all be held virtually.”

Students enrolled in a UAA math course taught by university professors remotely and upon successful completion will receive college credit. Acceleration Academy students attended online group study sessions hosted by ANSEP staff. Students received weekly support meetings to assist with building relationships with other students and ANSEP staff.

The students participating in Acceleration Academy (Summer) from the Bering Strait/Norton Sound and Nome region include: Stephan Anderson (Nome), David Bahnke (Nome), Victoria Fisher (Unalakleet), Markayla Katchatag (Anchorage), Alicia Michels (Juneau), Kellie Miller (Nome), Halle Nelson (Anchorage) and Kael Osborne (Nome).