Applications for full-time opportunity, now in five Alaska communities, due June 6
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) is welcoming applications for its full-time Acceleration Academy for the 2026-2027 academic year. The immersive opportunity helps students in grades nine through 12 take university courses that count toward both high school graduation and college credit, at no cost to students or their family. Applications for campuses in Anchorage, Mat-Su, Nome, Kotzebue and Bethel are open through June 6.
The full-time opportunity runs the full academic year (August through May) and brings students together as a cohort, which creates a strong sense of community and accountability at each campus and with the larger ANSEP family around the state. Students have built-in time to study with peers, and they can lean on staff and mentor support as they navigate college-level expectations. Hands-on projects also give students a practical way to apply what they are learning and build confidence over time.
“We built Acceleration Academy around the idea that students learn best when they feel they belong and are challenged in meaningful ways,” said Matt Calhoun, executive director of ANSEP. “This is a place where students support each other, push through hard problems, and start to see themselves as scholars and leaders.”
Key benefits are shortening the path to a college degree and significantly reducing the financial burden of achieving one. On average, students earn almost 70 college credits before graduating high school, which allows them to bypass about two years of college coursework and the associated costs. All approved program costs for Acceleration Academy, including tuition and university fees, are covered by ANSEP through support from its strategic partners, making the program free for students and their families. After completing the program, students can continue at any University of Alaska campus with ongoing advising and support.
Key details:
- Locations: Anchorage, Bethel, Kotzebue, Mat-Su and Nome
- Duration: August – May (academic year)
- Cost: Free (ANSEP covers all costs)
Answers to frequently asked questions:
- ANSEP opportunities are open to all Alaskans.
- There is currently no student housing available for Mat-Su and Nome students. For Anchorage, there are a limited number of student housing spots available for Lower Yukon School District students. For Bethel and Kotzebue, there are a limited number of student housing spots available.
- Applications are accepted until the June 6 deadline.
- Students who do not meet initial placement requirements can join Acceleration Ready sessions.
- Homeschool students are welcome to apply; guidelines for recommendation forms are available.
ANSEP is committed to expanding local access to education and supporting the next generation of Alaska’s workforce. To learn more and to apply for the 2026-2027 Academic Year, visit: the Acceleration Academy (Full-time) page.
