“A great opportunity for free college, a way to advance my career, a good way to get a head start.” ANSEP celebrates largest graduation to date.

As graduation season winds down, there are students throughout Alaska who will not only be graduating with a high school diploma, but with a solid footing into a college program.

This year, the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) celebrated its largest-ever graduating class of its full-time, academic year Acceleration Academy opportunity.

ANSEP is part of the University of Alaska system, focused on providing education and possibilities for every Alaskan. With ANSEP’s academic year Acceleration Academy component, students can go from eighth grade to earning a bachelor’s degree in 5 years.

This year, 28 students from the Anchorage, Bethel, Matanuska-Susitna and residential campuses earned not only their high school diplomas when they graduated, they also earned a total of 1,216 college credits. One student earned an astonishing 94 college credits during their high school career through Acceleration Academy-more than enough credits for an Associate Degree, and more than 2/3 of the way towards a Bachelor’s Degree.

“This was a great opportunity for free college, a way to advance my career, a good way to get a head start,” says recent graduate of the program, Ivory Iverson. She took advantage of the program and completed her program and just graduated last month.

What began as a summer opportunity for high school students to earn college credits at no cost, Acceleration Academy is now a full-time opportunity. Students complete their high school graduation requirements through college courses taken during the academic year.

“I started when I was 14, a high school freshman,” Iverson says, adding that she was following in the footsteps of her older siblings, who had also gone through ANSEP.

“The program sets you up, provides materials, while centering on education. Starting at a young age, I got an advance on my education, especially in the STEM fields,” Iverson said. She is pursuing a degree in Geological Studies, and is currently debating whether to do her field research in either Hydrology or Petrology.

The average Acceleration Academy graduate begins their freshman year of college with the number of credits equivalent to those of a college junior, eliminating two years of college courses and tuition costs.

Another benefits of the ANSEP program, and one that Iverson found especially beneficial, is the University Success Program. An academic learning community composed of students, faculty, staff, and external partners focused on the academic success, the University Success Program also focuses on the personal and professional development of each student.

“In the program, there are classes that you can take as college and high school credit, which was really great.”

Iverson was talking about the dual enrollment offered through ANSEP. Students are co-enrolled in classes, participate in organized study groups, have opportunities for peer and professional mentoring, do undergraduate research projects, work summer internships, and participate in planned group social activities.

The accelerated program not only helps high school students’ academic careers, but also prepares them for the rigor of college coursework and position them for success in STEM careers. It also hyper-prepares them socially and professionally.

“They were very open about showing us opportunities, exploring different careers that are available, bringing in speakers who work in those fields,” says Iverson. With ANSEP available in more remote locations such as Kotzebue and Bethel, Iverson says those students were able to fly down to Anchorage and participate in the end-of-semester career exploration seminars, as well as meet with peers.

“I also enjoyed working with the Youth Peer Mentor program. It was nice to have someone who’s going through college to help guide you.”

Students using ANSEP see a financial benefit, as it helps students go from 8th grade to a bachelor’s degree in just 5 years, saving over $75,000 in college costs.

Since launching the academic year opportunity in 2015, it has seen tremendous growth and success in making an impact in the lives of students and their families across Alaska.

“Our largest Acceleration Academy class yet is a testament to the program’s success and its positive impact on Alaska’s students through cost savings and unmatched educational opportunities,” said ANSEP Director of Special Projects Michael Bourdukofsky.

For now, Iverson, who enjoys hiking, exploring with her dog, and doing beadwork, has plans to participate in the Summer Bridge program and is hoping to find an internship with the National Parks Services.

“I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve gotten through ANSEP.”

Any student enrolled in ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in Alaska is eligible to apply and participate in the academic year Acceleration Academy opportunity. Elementary, middle, high school and university students across Alaska who are interested in participating in ANSEP can learn more about the opportunities available by visiting www.ANSEP.net.

“We are honored to be a part of these students’ journeys and look forward to seeing their continued success. A huge thanks to all the ANSEP staff, parents and partners who collectively make this all possible. Qaĝaalakux̂ (Thank You in Unangam Tunuu)!”