Students work hard in attempt to earn computers

WASILLA — Think about what it takes to get a middle school student to do well in math class.

Would the promise of a new computer suffice?

The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program says that, so far at least, it has been sufficient and officials believe it will be for 54 Mat-Su students who entered a new academy at the University of Alaska Anchorage program.

“Everything we’re going to do throughout the whole 12-day program it’s really getting them engaged and excited not only about this opportunity, but also future opportunities as well,” said Michael Bourdukofsky, chief operations officer for ANSEP.

The computer is actually one the kids got to build themselves at the kick-off event for the Middle School Academy on Friday.

“The goal in order for these students to keep their computers is to complete Algebra I by the end of eighth grade,” Bourdukofsky said.

He said the program has been running middle school academies since 2010, but they were in the summer and had a statewide focus. The academy that kicked off last week was a Mat-Su specific program.

“We’re really excited and hope this is something that we can do for years to come, because really what it’s doing is creating that excitement and motivation behind science and math, the STEM careers,” Bourdukofsky said, referring to the often-used acronym in educational circles for science, technology, engineering and math.

“It’s really the first opportunity that we’ve had to partner with a major school district in this capacity, which is awesome,” he said.

The Mat-Su Borough School District was equally as effusive.

“We’re really excited about the partnership and really being kind of pioneers with this,” said Gene Stone, assistant superintendent of instruction for the district.

Stone said that the initial meeting about the program drew in 200 applicants. He said an explanation of the requirements — a “B” average in school, teacher recommendations, a commitment to complete algebra and a 15-page application — winnowed that group down to 75 who eventually applied.

Not many of those 75 wound up disappointed, as the district picked 54 students to participate.

He said funding for the program came from an Alaska Native Education grant and the Knik Tribal Council, as well as an appropriation from the state Legislature.

“We just think it’s going to be get bigger and better and we’re interested in following this particular cohort,” Stone said.

Bourdukofsky said that if the past is any prologue, the kids will very likely stick with their algebra commitment. He said the ANSEP program boasts 83 percent of its students wind up keeping their computers and finish Algebra I in middle school.

“Compared to the national average which is 26 percent for all students across the nation it’s a very big improvement,” he said.

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.