ANSEP helps Mat-Su students get a leg up

PALMER —Twenty-three middle and high school students from throughout the Mat-Su are availing themselves of an opportunity to obtain college credits and graduate from high school a year early — if they so choose — by participating in the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program’s (ANSEP) first expansion into the borough.

The Acceleration High School (AHS) component is a full-time high school offered through a joint effort through ANSEP and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) which opened its doors for the first time in August at Valley Pathways School. Michael Ulroan, ANSEP regional director, said this is the first time the program has been offered not only in the borough, but the entire state.

Ulroan explained ANSEP’s main focus is to prepare and expose young adults for college and beyond.

Students began taking college courses immediately which are applicable toward many University of Alaska degreed programs. He said the AHS component ensures participants are college-ready by the end of their third year of high school. At that point, if the student has met all high school requirements and can, if they wish, graduate, or they may choose to complete a fourth year of high school and obtain yet more college credits.

Overall, students can earn 42-55 credit hours in a wide array of undergraduate programs including: biological science, civil engineering, psychology, liberal studies, elementary education, or business administration management. Not only does the program provide a great learning opportunity for those students participating, it can save a substantial amount of money down the road for both the student and the state. Current UA undergraduate costs run around $200 per credit hour. Figure in books and supplies and Ulroan said participants can potentially save about $25,000 in tuition. At the same time, the State of Alaska saves potentially millions in general fund support to school districts.

Additionally, the program offers a five-week, summer Acceleration Academy to students and has done so since 2009. Through that, students advance one or more levels in math and science with each academy attended and earn yet more college credits. About 100 students across the state participate in it each year.

“We want the kids to be beyond college ready by the time they complete the program,” Ulroan said. “Ready for success academically and professionally.

Students can begin the ANSEP process as early as sixth grade. Ulroan said those students choosing to participate are culled to begin taking college credit courses when they reach eighth grade. This is done through strengthening social ties, encouraging teamwork, stimulating cultural enrichment all while providing opportunity for professional development before the student leaves high school.

Before a student reaches the point of college credit acceptance, they must first apply. Ulroan said the process is not unlike any high school graduate applying to a higher learning institution.

“They submit a full application, write a detailed essay, and obtain teacher references. They also must take college placement tests,” Ulroan explained . “This is the only (AHS) in the Mat-Su. We (offer it) in 100 Alaska communities and have been in operation since 1995 as an engineering program. We have more than 2,000 students from eighth grade through PhD.”

Ulroan is headquartered at Valley Pathway as is one full-time UAA professor. Visiting professors teaching science, English and social science curricula visit the school to teach courses throughout the week. Enrolled students are fully immersed in the program and do not take regular high school classes in addition to their AHS classes. He said enrolled students are excited to be a part of the program. Mainly because of the great savings potential as they prepare for post-secondary education endeavors.

Tommi Crist, a sophomore who had attended Reddington School prior to jumping into the AHS program, is taking four credit hours this semester. She has been an ANSEP participant since sixth grade. Taking advantage of the summer Acceleration Academy offerings, Crist said she has amassed 13 credit hours to date.

“I’ve always wanted to go to college,” Crist said. “I’m the first one to be able to. My parents were very leery about (the costs of) student loans. I’ very appreciative of this program. “

Crist said she plans to have her associates degree in mathematics by the time she finishes with ANSEP.

“I want to go into engineering. Aeronautical engineering or perhaps mechanical engineering,” Crist said.

Ulroan said more applications are coming in for the new semester which begins after the holiday break. He said it’s quite likely, and he expects, that number of 23 students to increase come January.