The Time is Now Building an innovative CTE program bridging rural Alaska to Anchorage

Anchorage School District and Lower Yukon School District announce a new, innovative, exciting Career and Technical Education partnership. This partnership is a model of scaling up, not down, and has the potential to be replicated in other districts throughout the State. The model will build a robust workforce development plan and bring opportunities to young people.

“The future for all Alaska’s student is now,” explains Dr. Deena Bishop, ASD Superintendent. “We know that we must prepare students to navigate a future that we cannot predict. Charting a relevant course for Alaska’s rural students provides a pathway to success.”

A CTE partnership is worth the educational investment. It has the potential to transform and revolutionize education in our State.

Lower Yukon School District Superintendent, Andrew “Hannibal” Anderson, said, “Rural Alaska and its people should be seen as an essential resource who can make a strong contribution to the workforce in our village and throughout Alaska.” Committed to the success of this partnership, both districts know that the State’s help is needed. By using existing resources in Anchorage, building a new model for a career and technical education program will meet the needs of students in rural Alaska.

LYSD Regional School Board and Anchorage School Board recognize the need for accessible and equitable career and technical education throughout the State. Well-intentioned models and legislation have impacted student outcomes in these ways:

•Dwindling pool of accessible teachers

•Staggering costs of regional educational models

•Breaking family bonds and units

When Alaska invests in our students, the State is investing in our future workforce and economic growth. Filling Alaska’s jobs with Alaskans keeps our economy growing and thriving.

The time is now—LYSD and ASD are ready and committed to making the change. Success beyond high school is the genuine success for our students. When prepared with workforce ready skills and industry certifications, students are on track for personal success as adults.

The collaboration between districts will include:

•Enrolling 50 students (11th and 12th graders) for nine-week sessions

•Adding a third session in the academic day at King Tech High School

•Housing at Long House in Anchorage (owned by LYSD)

•Collaborating with Calista Native Corporation for cultural learning and soft skills

•Contracting services for security, custodial, and nutrition needs

•Recruiting, training, and hiring an administrator to organize and manage the program

•Providing CTE Program Strands such as: Welding, Electrical, Cosmetology, Medical/Health Sciences, Hospitality/Tourism, Natural Resources/Wildland Fire, Technology, Aviation, and Business