ANSEP honored by Alaska State Legislature

Last year, the Alaska State Legislature voted to recognize the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) for 30 years of outstanding service to Alaska's youth and communities.

On Friday, February 20, Sen. Forrest Dunbar, of Anchorage, presented a citation to the ANSEP community, highlighting ANSEP's role in education across Alaska, improving the quality and accessibility of educational and career development opportunities to Alaska’s students.

“ANSEP empowers and inspires thousands of Alaskans to reach their potential. For three decades ANSEP has invited Alaskan youth to participate in STEM and helped them to succeed,” Senator Dunbar stated. “At a time when science and Native programs are threatened, we must commend the work of ANSEP’s staff and recognize the meaning it has for students across our state.”

ANSEP uses a comprehensive, long-term approach to student success, starting in elementary school with STEM Ready. The pathway follows through Middle School Academy and STEM Career Explorations for grades six through eight, and advances into high school with Acceleration Academy, offering full-time and summer opportunities.

Students are able to utilize that support, which extends through University and Graduate Success and into the workforce, helping thousands of students thrive in STEM and business fields across Alaska as part of the ANSEP community.

Founded in 1995 as a scholarship program for one student, ANSEP has grown to support thousands of individuals across the state. Beginning in kindergarten, ANSEP’s sequential model continues through high school and into undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, allowing students to succeed at rates far exceeding national numbers.

Throughout the decades, ANSEP's impact and effectiveness have been recognized at the state and national levels, including:

• 2020 Education Award from Association of Village Council Presidents, 2020.

• Most Exceptional Program in STEM Education and Workforce Development by the U.S. Department of Energy, Minorities in Energy Initiative, 2014.

• Top 25 Innovations in American Government by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School, 2013.

• Alaska Federation of Natives Denali Award, 2005.

• Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, 2004.

The legislative citation acknowledges ANSEP's role in transforming lives and contributing to Alaska's youth.

To learn more about ANSEP, please visit www.ansep.net