ANSEP Business

ANSEP Business is ANSEP’s newest academic pathway, created to support students interested in business, finance, analytics, and organizational leadership while staying grounded in opportunities across Alaska. The addition of business programs strengthens ANSEP’s mission to increase university recruitment, retention, and graduation for Alaska Native students and other Alaskans pursuing high-demand career fields.

This pathway connects students directly to degree opportunities within the University of Alaska system—especially the UAA College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP)—and expands ANSEP’s long-standing commitment to prepare students for the future workforce.

Made Possible by the Generous Support of Robert W. Baird & Co.

ANSEP Business was established thanks to the major sponsorship and generous financial support of Robert W. Baird & Co. and the Baird Foundation.

This partnership provided foundational investment to develop business-focused student support, expanded advising services, internship opportunities, and dedicated ANSEP Business scholarships.

Baird’s commitment ensures that more ANSEP students can pursue business degrees, explore careers in finance and analytics, and eventually become leaders in Alaska’s corporate, private, and public sectors.

What Is ANSEP Business?

ANSEP Business is a coordinated pathway within the ANSEP pipeline that provides academic, financial, and professional support for students pursuing business-related degrees and careers.

Students interested in business can participate beginning in middle school and continue through graduate education. ANSEP Business complements existing STEM pathways by expanding access to degree programs in:

  • BBA Accounting
  • BBA Economics
  • BBA Business & Data Analytics
  • BBA Finance
  • BBA Management
  • BBA Marketing
  • BBA Business Administration 

These programs prepare students for high-demand careers in accounting, finance, wealth management, data analytics, entrepreneurship, project management, marketing, supply chain operations, and organizational leadership.

Why Business, Why Now?

Business and financial services remain a major driver of Alaska’s economy. Demand for graduates with business skills continues to grow in private industry, Alaska Native corporations, government agencies, nonprofit management, and community leadership roles.

The UAA College of Business and Public Policy enrolls around 1,300 students each fall semester and offers a wide range of business and public policy programs. CBPP is accredited by AACSB International — a distinction earned by a select group of business schools worldwide, affirming its commitment to high academic standards and career preparation.

By adding business to the ANSEP pathway, ANSEP ensures that Alaska Native students not only access these programs but also succeed and graduate into fields that shape Alaska’s economic future.

How ANSEP Business Works Across the Pipeline

  • Explore basic business concepts through hands-on STEM activities.
  • Participate in Junior Achievement programming to learn how companies go public and how the stock market works.
  • Apply business planning and cost analysis during Bridge Build and REAP activities.

  • Earn university credit early, including general education and introductory business coursework.
  • Explore business foundations such as economics, accounting, management, and data analytics.
  • Begin college with momentum and confidence.

  • Receive academic advising, mentorship, tutoring, and career support tailored to business pathways.
  • Pursue any of the ANSEP-approved BBA degree programs listed above.
  • Access scholarship opportunities, undergraduate research experiences, and industry partnerships.

  • Guidance and encouragement for long-term academic and professional goal setting.
  • Access to networking opportunities with industry leaders and ANSEP Strategic Partners.
  • Support for eligible graduate students to receive financial assistance that covers tuition costs.
  • Pathways for students interested in corporate leadership, executive roles, tribal administration, entrepreneurship, and advanced analytics.

Opportunities for ANSEP Business Students

Through this pathway, students may:

  • Receive dedicated scholarship support for business majors.
  • Connect with business professionals, financial institutions, and Alaska Native corporations.
  • Participate in business case studies, analytics projects, applied research, and leadership development.
  • Complete paid internships that build skills and lead to long-term career placement.
  • Engage with UAA business-focused student organizations, competitions, and mentoring programs.

Impact and Vision

The introduction of ANSEP Business expands the reach of ANSEP’s proven model into one of Alaska’s most economically important fields. Early outcomes already show increased interest in business programs among ANSEP students, strengthened partnerships with financial firms, and more students preparing to enter Alaska’s business and finance workforce.

Over time, ANSEP Business will help increase the representation of Alaska Native and rural students in business, finance, data analytics, and leadership positions across the state.

How to Get Started

Students interested in ANSEP Business can:

  • Speak with their ANSEP advisor about degree planning and course selection.
  • Explore early coursework during Acceleration Academy.
  • Declare a business major when joining ANSEP University Success.
  • Discuss long-term pathways for MBA preparation if interested in graduate studies.