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Monday, April 15, 2019

Summer STEM opportunities in Alaska

Get ahead academically with summer programs

School may still be in session, but it is never too early to start making plans for summer vacation. Just because students aren’t in class doesn’t mean they should stop learning. Summer is the perfect time to take an extra class, dive deeper into an interesting subject or attend educational summer camps.

The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program offers year-round opportunities for students to engage with STEM education. From middle school to high school to the university level and all the way through doctoral programs, ANSEP helps students make the most of summer break. The best part about ANSEP’s summertime activities is that they are all free to students and parents.

Check out the ANSEP summer STEM opportunities:

Middle School Academy
At Middle School Academy, students live in dorms on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus and work alongside like-minded peers. Making new friends and participating in hands-on STEM activities are just a couple parts of the introductory component that gets students excited about their future. It sparks an interest in careers as scientists, doctors, engineers and more.

Computer builds are always a student-favorite, and it’s how we kick off all our Middle School Academies. An added bonus is that students get to keep the computer after the component ends as long as they stay on track to complete Algebra I math before high school and maintain a “B” in math and science.

The two Middle School Academies scheduled for summer 2019 are July 8 – 16 and July 20 – 28. Anchorage area students who are interested in attending should apply by April 19.

STEM Career Exploration
Each summer STEM Career Exploration welcomes back students grades seven through nine who previously attended Middle School Academy. The five-day, residential component challenges returning students to dive deeper into a particular facet of STEM education that interests them.

Working alongside industry professionals and ANSEP staff, the students learn about the many different STEM career paths available. The component teaches students how an interest in biology translates to a passion for working in healthcare. It highlights how an interest in nature can lead to a successful Geology career.

The 2019 STEM Career Exploration component dates are:

Energy Sciences, June 10 – 14.
Geological Sciences, June 17 – 21.
Health Sciences, June 24 – 28.
Marine Sciences, July 15 – 19.

The application deadline for this component has passed for 2019, but keep an eye on the ANSEP website to stay updated on future opportunities and deadlines.

Acceleration Academy (Summer)
At Acceleration Academy (Summer), high school students live on the UAA campus and earn a college math or science credit. Throughout the component, students develop a familiarity with the college lifestyle and build relationships with like-minded peers and college professors.

Rocket builds, first aid certification courses, boat trips, DNA coding and kayak building are just a few of the engaging, hands-on STEM activities.

Students who are interested must apply online, provide two teacher recommendations, transcripts, ALEKS scores, and a 500-word essay. Although the summer 2019 application deadline has passed, students can still apply for the full-time Acceleration Academy (Anchorage) and (Mat-Su).

Summer Bridge
The best way for students to transition from high school to college is through ANSEP’s Summer Bridge component. Hosted on the UAA campus, the component helps recent high school graduates adjust to the college lifestyle. Additionally, students earn free college credits and work a paid internship in the industry of their choice. Throughout the summer, the students gain real-world career experience and participate in valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Strategic partners who employ ANSEP Summer Bridge students include:

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game

• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

• Arctic Research Consortium of the United States

• Arctic Slope Regional Corporation

• BP

• Bristol Bay Native Association

• Bureau of Land Management

• Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement

• ConocoPhillips

• ExxonMobil

• Kawera

• Kuskokwim Native Association

• LGL Alaska Research Associates

• Mystic Aquarium

• National Wildlife Service

• North Slope Bureau

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

• U.S. Forest Service

• U.S. Geological Survey

Students who successfully complete Summer Bridge are eligible for scholarships to any University of Alaska branch the following semester. The summer 2019 dates are May 25 – Aug. 2.

University and Graduate Success
The ANSEP University and Graduate Success components are year-round and provide students with summer internship opportunities. Many of the ANSEP strategic partners are the same as our Summer Bridge partners. This component helps undergraduate students as well as doctoral and graduate students earn money toward college tuition, gain real-world career experience and develop relationships with professors and industry professionals. Students participating in Graduate and University Success finish college with research experience, career skills and the networking connections necessary to succeed in STEM careers.

Other Summer STEM opportunities
Although many of the ANSEP summertime deadlines have passed, there are other summertime STEM opportunities in Alaska. Some include:

•Cook Inlet Tribal Council: STEM Learning Labs connect high school students for peer-to-peer activities that promote community involvement and academic success.

•STEM AK: Powered by the Juneau Economic Development Council, STEM AK offers summer science camps that incorporate Legos, robotics, 3D printing and EV3 programming.

•Alaska Zoo: Kids interested in a career as a zoologist should check out the Alaska Zoo Adventure Camp.

•Girl Scouts of Alaska: Summer camps help girls of all ages develop leadership skills, outdoor training and an interest in STEM education. Many camps do not require scout membership.

•Challenger Learning Center of Alaska: Aerial robotics, forensic science and engineering camps are just a few activities at the center’s Summer STEM Academy 2019.

•UAA College of Engineering: Third through 12th grade students from Anchorage, Kenai and Mat-Su can apply for the Summer Engineering Academies.

Monday, March 11, 2019

ANSEP Answers: Ep. 01 with Augustine Hamner

Friday, December 21, 2018

ANSEP hosts Acceleration Academy recruitment nights

The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program is now accepting applications to its full-time Acceleration Academy (Anchorage & Mat-Su) components. Current and rising ninth through 12th graders and their parents are invited to learn more about these innovative components at the recurring recruitment nights held on the second Tuesday of the month, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. ANSEP students, teachers and staff will be available at each event to speak about about the component’s benefits and application process, provide tours of the campus and answer any questions.

ANSEP launched its full-time Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su) component in 2016 to provide year-round access to STEM education to students in the area. Offered in partnership with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, the innovative component welcomed 27 students who earned more than 250 college credits during its inaugural year. After doubling enrollment at Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su) during its second school year, ANSEP launched Acceleration Academy (Anchorage) in partnership with the Anchorage School District and University of Alaska Anchorage.

By launching a second full-time Acceleration Academy component on the UAA campus, ANSEP aims to create more opportunities for students to fast track their STEM careers.

ANSEP is currently accepting applications to both full-time Acceleration Academy components for the spring and fall 2019 semesters. ANSEP encourages students who are interested in applying to attend one of the monthly recruitment nights. RSVPS are encouraged but not required. More information about recruitment nights is available below:

Tuesday recruitment nights in 2019:

Jan. 8

Feb. 12

March 12

April 9

May 14

Thursday recruitment nights in 2019:

Jan. 24

Feb. 28

Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Location: ANSEP Acceleration Academy Building, 3800 University Lake Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508

To learn more or apply, visit http://bit.ly/ANCacceleration.

Friday, December 21, 2018

How ANSEP helps students save money

The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program is dedicated to creating opportunities for students from across Alaska, despite the academic, social or financial barriers they face. Many people understand how ANSEP’s components ignite an early interest in college education, but they often don’t realize that ANSEP is helping students and their families save money, too.

Students enrolled in ANSEP’s full-time Acceleration Academy (Anchorage & Mat-Su) components have the opportunity to begin earning college credits as early as their freshman year of high school, at no cost to the student. Students who attend the full-time components for four years can graduate high school with two years or more of college already complete. This fast-track education model also gives students the unique opportunity to graduate early from high school and enroll directly in college. However, many students choose to continue their education at Acceleration Academy to take advantage of the hands-on learning, build relationships with college professors and earn additional credits.

“I will potentially graduate with more than 60 college credits, which is great. But, I am really enjoying my time at Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su). I plan to make the most of my time here, and once I begin college I will have even more credits under my belt!” said Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su) student Brock Grant in his Student Success blog.

One of the biggest perks of Acceleration Academy is the ability to save money by earning college credits before high school graduation. By exposing students to higher education at an early age, ANSEP also inspires students to start planning for college academically and financially.

“ANSEP has definitely made me feel more prepared. When I start college, I will have almost two-years worth of credits already complete. Plus, spending time on the UAA campus, surrounded by college students makes me feel more comfortable, like I already belong there,” said Kyah Mingo, a junior at Acceleration Academy (Anchorage).

After high school graduation, ANSEP students can earn money and gain real-life professional career experience by working paid internships through ANSEP’s Summer Bridge and University and Graduate Success components. Learn about opportunities to apply for scholarships, earn free college credits, work paid internships and more at ANSEP.net.

Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Austin and Kyah – Accelerating our futures with ANSEP

Austin Bergerson, a 15-year-old American Native Cherokee, and Kyah Mingo, a 16-year-old Inupiaq, first became involved with the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program in 2015 during summer Middle School Academy components. Austin and Kyah were eager to get more involved with the program and enrolled in its innovative, full-time Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su) component.

The Anchorage residents first met on the ANSEP bus and would commute 1.5-hours each way to Palmer to attend the full-time high school. Eventually, the three-hour round trip journey for 15 dedicated students resulted in the formation of lifelong friendships.

Austin, currently a sophomore, and Kyah, currently a junior, began dating last year and both transferred to Acceleration Academy (UAA) for its inaugural 2018-2019 school year. We caught up with them to learn more about their ANSEP experiences.

ANSEP: You’ve both been involved with ANSEP since middle school. What is your favorite part about the program?

Kyah: Once you come to ANSEP, it feels like family. You’re instantly part of the ANSEP community. The teachers work for ANSEP full-time but are also professors at the University of Alaska Anchorage and still find time to work with us and get to know us personally.

Austin: We often think of the ANSEP community as the students, mentors and professors, but it runs deeper than many people realize. While volunteering at an ANSEP scholarship banquet, I met many of the alumni and donors who help make the program possible. It’s amazing to realize how many other people are invested in our success.

ANSEP: What makes the full-time Acceleration Academy high school experience different from other high schools?

Kyah: Aside from access to college-level courses, we get to hands-on experience learning about STEM careers and other practical skills like resume building and public speaking that will help us earn scholarships, apply for college and be successful later in life.

Austin: At Acceleration Academy, we work in groups on exciting projects like building hydro pumps but also get experience doing college-level essays and presentations. It has built confidence and helped me learn how to succeed as an individual and as a member of a team.

ANSEP: One of the biggest perks of Acceleration Academy is the ability to save money by earning college credits before high school graduation. Do you feel ANSEP has helped you prepare for college academically and financially?

Kyah: ANSEP has definitely made me feel more prepared because I know what to expect when walking into a college classroom. When I start college, I will have almost two-years worth of credits already complete. Plus, spending time on the UAA campus, surrounded by college students makes me feel more comfortable, like I already belong there. I know that feeling would carry over to any university I choose to attend.

Austin: Although I’m only in my second year of Acceleration Academy, I’ve already earned a year’s worth of college credits. I feel more confident knowing that if I can already complete college-level courses then I’ll definitely be successful in college and graduate school.

ANSEP: What’s it like working alongside your high school peers and University Success students at Acceleration Academy (UAA)?

Kyah: It is amazing that, just within the ANSEP building, I can easily connect with Middle School Academy students, fellow Acceleration Academy students or even University Success students. The ANSEP community is really important to me and everyone else in the building. There is something different you can learn from every person, and they’re always willing to help you.

Austin: There’s always someone to turn to, and it’s amazing how everyone is so friendly and willing to drop whatever they are doing to help. Despite the challenging material at ANSEP, having that support makes school less stressful and everyone more successful.

Kyah: The ANSEP community opens endless doors to opportunities but has the benefit of being small enough that you encounter the same people over and over, which builds incredibly tight bonds and relationships. Everyone is supportive and understands what you’re going through.

Austin: I’ve built incredible relationships with peers, students of other ages ranging from middle school to college, professors and mentors. We all support each other but their variation in life experiences provides me with very unique perspectives.

ANSEP: Kyah, you’re an upperclassman with enough credits to graduate early. What are your plans for the future?

Kyah: I’m hoping to attend ANSEP Summer Bridge so I can earn more college credit and gain valuable career experience working a paid internship before attending the University of Alaska Southeast. I want to join University Success so I can stay involved with ANSEP and be surrounded by the support of the ANSEP community.

ANSEP: Do you know what you want to study in college?

Kyah: I want to focus on environmental ocean sciences or marine biology because when I was younger I would visit Prince William Sound with my father. We spent hours looking at the tide pools and creatures living there. Ever since, I’ve been interested in the ocean and wanted to work in a marine-focused STEM field. With the help of ANSEP, I’ve realized the steps I need to take and am already well on my way to making that dream a reality.

ANSEP: What’s the largest obstacle ANSEP has helped you overcome?

Kyah: ANSEP helped me learn to advocate for myself by teaching me how and when to ask for help. The ANSEP community made me feel comfortable knowing there was always someone to support me but also gave me the confidence to realize how much I could do for myself.

ANSEP: Austin, what are your plans for the future?

Austin: After high school I plan to stay involved with ANSEP through the University Success program. I’m already comfortable in the ANSEP building on the UAA campus and plan to earn my bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage but am interested in attending graduate school elsewhere.

ANSEP: What is your dream career?

Austin: When I was younger, we would visit the planetarium at the University of Alaska Anchorage to learn about the stars and galaxies. That sparked an interest in becoming an astronaut or astronomer. From attending STEM Career Exploration to speaking with my professors, ANSEP has exposed me to many different career paths. Currently, I’m considering medical sciences but still have time to decide.

ANSEP: Is there anything unexpected you’ve experienced or learned through ANSEP?

Austin: I expected ANSEP to be intimidating; but, instead of being cliquey like other high schools, everyone is always excited to make new friends. The people are incredibly friendly and supportive. We’re all different, but we have more in common than we realize and are all working towards the same goal.

Thanks to support from the University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage School District, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District and other strategic partners, ANSEP students like Austin and Kyah in Anchorage and Wasilla are able to jumpstart their STEM careers at Acceleration Academy (UAA) and Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su). Current and incoming high school students can learn more about the innovative component and apply today at ANSEP.net.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Full speed ahead with full-time ANSEP components

What does a 15-year-old Acceleration Academy student have in common with Dr. Michelle Yatchmeneff, a Sloan scholar and faculty mentor, National Science Foundation grant recipient and University of Alaska Anchorage’s first female Alaska Native professor? They both took steps towards a STEM career with the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program – and you can too!

Sure, it is still fall, but it’s never too early to start planning for your future. ANSEP is currently accepting applications for our 2019 spring and fall semesters at Acceleration Academy (UAA) and Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su) so you can apply for the full-time, no-cost component today.

Students attending ANSEP Acceleration Academies have the opportunity to earn two years or more of college credit before graduating high school, but that’s not all they will gain from ANSEP’s innovative component. The collaborative, hands-on learning experience teaches students how to work together in teams and exposes them to real-world applications for STEM education. By taking and succeeding in advanced academic courses, the students realize their full academic potential and simultaneously build confidence and a thirst for knowledge.

Although Acceleration Academy is challenging, the ANSEP community enables students to succeed by providing support and encouragement.

“We believe students are most successful when they feel challenged and encouraged. We build a community that becomes a family by engaging in weekly meetings, hosting social activities, and providing collaborative study sessions. By working together, pushing themselves to solve difficult problems or equations and developing solutions, our Acceleration Academy students feel empowered and excited,” said ANSEP Acceleration Academy (UAA) Regional Director Mikayla Savikko.

When Acceleration Academy (UAA and Mat-Su) students aren’t busy studying college-level Calculus or engaging in hands-on lab work, you can find them spending time with their ANSEP peers. Social events like pumpkin carving, costume and pie eating contests with ANSEP University Success students build camaraderie and excite students about the college lifestyle.

Current and incoming high school students can jumpstart their STEM careers by applying for Acceleration Academy (UAA) or Acceleration Academy (Mat-Su) today.

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Yosty Storms

Unalakleet, Alaska

“In general, education is something that you obtain that no one can take away from you,” wisely states Shaylyn Storms. Shaylyn, more commonly known as Yosty, will be the first in her family to graduate with a college education, thanks to the loving support from her immediate family, as well as her ANSEP community.

Yosty’s academic journey started in her small village of Unalakleet. Then she set out to pursue her education and nestled into her temporary home away from home, at Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, Alaska. It was here that Yosty was first introduced to what would become her forever home, ANSEP. In 2010, during her junior year, Yosty participated in the computer build program, which she still has fond memories of to this day. She also distinctly remembers Mike Nabers, affectionately referred to as “Big Mike” (ANSEP Alum and former employee), visiting her classroom and advocating student involvement in ANSEP. Both of these events combined, accelerated her toward becoming an avid member and supporter of ANSEP and ultimately joining the ANSEP family.

At the end of her junior year, Yosty participated in and successfully completed Acceleration Academy, earning university credits over the summer. She then transitioned into the Summer Bridge program her senior year. Yosty considers ANSEP as a “pathway” for her since high school. “In high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated; ANSEP really encouraged me to pursue a degree in STEM.” Having more clarity and feeling more equipped than ever, Yosty entered the university and immediately became an ANSEP University Success Student her freshman year, studying Natural Sciences.

During her time as a university student, she overcame many obstacles with the avid support of her ANSEP community. One of those obstacles was mathematics. Yosty expressed, “I never liked math because I thought I was not very good at it. Through ANSEP, I learned how to appreciate it and even do well in it.” Even though Calculus I is the uppermost math requirement for her major, she surpassed that requirement by taking and passing Calculus II.

“I find it not only interesting, but inspirational how ANSEP has given the opportunity for Alaskan Natives to succeed in STEM.” ANSEP has specifically helped Yosty succeed in the STEM field and profession by providing her with an internship for two summers in Barrow, Alaska. She had the opportunity to work closely with the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management as a wildlife biological technician. Yosty worked on a variety of tasks from working closely with mentors, interacting within the communities to data entry and examination.

During a weekly Friday ANSEP meeting, she became acquainted with some employees of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which is one of ANSEP’s many strategic partners. This face-to-face introduction encouraged her to apply for a summer internship with USGS. Yosty was hired and worked for USGS this past summer as a biological science technician. Once her internship ended, she was quickly offered a position working as a career pathways graduate student this upcoming January, which is a position she fully intends to accept.

Being Alaskan Native herself, more specifically Iñupiaq, Yosty has always had a heart for her people, cultural values and the traditional way of life. In five years, she endeavors to have her graduate degree in Marine Biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. With that degree under her belt, Yosty hopes to get her dream job as a Marine Biologist. She wants to use this career path to work closely with the people in coastal communities and affect change. Yosty realizes the importance of subsistence for her people and how crucial it is to protect their way of life. She grew up on the coast and, traditionally, all of her food came from the ocean. Yosty wants to ensure that if there are changes with marine life, that her people know about it and can appropriately adapt to those changes.

Now 22 years old, Yosty will be the first in her family to graduate with a college degree. Yosty will graduate this month with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Being the fourth oldest in her family of eight siblings, she desires to be an example for her younger sisters and brothers. Over the years, Yosty’s mother showed incredible work ethic and self-sacrifice. Her mother’s hard work empowered Yosty all the more to give back by undertaking and accomplishing a college education; as Yosty selflessly stated, “It’s the least I could do.” Yosty’s family is, without a doubt, her central motivation to succeed and excel in her education and, furthermore, in life.

Though Yosty will be walking across the Alaska Airlines Center stage at the December commencement ceremony and no longer frequenting places on campus, she has some great advice to leave behind:

“If you are passionate about earning your STEM degree, don’t give up on it. Always stay positive and reach out to others.”

If anyone is a perfect example of that, it’s Yosty Storms.

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