Students from LKSD further their education at ANSEP Middle School Academy

This week (Feb. 14th, 2024), middle school students from the Lower Kuskokwim School District are in Anchorage to participate in the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program’s Middle School Academy. Fifty-one students representing eight Alaska communities — Atmautluak, Bethel, Kwethluk, Mertarvik, Napaskiak, Newtok, Nunapitchuk and Tuntutuliak — will participate in the weeklong Middle School Academy on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus.

ANSEP’s Middle School Academy is designed to encourage engagement in science, technology, engineering and math early in students’ academic journeys, fostering curiosity and educational development. Throughout the week, students will engage in immersive, hands-on activities including building computers, scratch coding, exploring electronic circuits through online simulators, and constructing towers using K’Nex Kits to be tested against an earthquake simulator.

In addition to academic advancement, collaborating with like-minded students from other schools and communities is an important component of ANSEP’s Middle School Academy. While in Anchorage, students are staying in UAA dorm rooms and participating in fun, recreational activities like a pool night, sledding and attending a UAA men’s basketball game.

ANSEP not only gives students the confidence to further their education, but also provides them with the community and support they need to explore opportunities across Alaska and beyond. When students work as a team, foster friendships, and learn early on that they can achieve big things, the foundation for innovation, discovery and academic excellence is laid.

“Often students’ first time with ANSEP, Middle School Academy is a critical component in inspiring young Alaskans to pursue their true potential,” said ANSEP Interim Executive Director Matt Calhoun. “This is such an important time for learning in these students’ lives, so being able to offer them access to hands-on STEM experiences and mentorship will help ignite their journey toward academic and professional success.”

ANSEP opportunities, such as Middle School Academy, are especially beneficial for students in small, rural Alaska communities, where access to the academic, social and professional opportunities ANSEP offers might otherwise be limited.

ANSEP opportunities are available to Alaskans of all backgrounds, and all eligible Alaska students are encouraged to apply. Elementary, middle, high school and university students across Alaska interested in joining ANSEP can explore opportunities and submit applications at www.ANSEP.net.

These 51 students represent eight Alaska communities and 10 schools across the district, including:

Anna Tobeluk Memorial School: Billie Jean Andrew, Cheryl Andrew, and Denise Nick

Ayaprun Elitnaurvik: Constance Samuelson, Kaydence Brink, Kamryn Hoffman, Paula Jung, Mikael Pleasant, Jack Abalama, Rachael Thomas, Zuri Charlie, and Andrew Charlie

Bethel Regional High School: Cameron Boyscout, Isabella Fitka, Mariah Andrew, and Jackson Reardon

Gladys Jung Middle School: Fritz Albert

Gladys Jung Elementary School: Adelyn Riley, Andrea Nicholai, Ashley Fox, Abigail Jackson, Brayton Nicholai, Brysen Simeon, Otto McElwee, Codi Hancock, Kale Emmons, Maya Iverson, Brielle Swope, Jena Boyscout, Keilani Smith, Cora Butte, Pauline Joe, Sophia Gagliardi, and Seth Gilila

Joann Alexie Memorial School: Ammoriah Nicholas, Kiana Gilman, and Marilyn Mochin

KAMS: Sadie Epchook

Lewis Angapak Memorial School: Christine Evan

Mertarvik Pioneer School: Aaliyah Kasaiuli, Shayla David, Jeffery Charles, Irvirraq Charles, and Josiah Brown

Newtok Ayaprun School: LeBron Queenie

Nunapitchuk: Jada Brink

Z.J. Williams Memorial School: Brenton Larson, Alisha Nicholai, and Cyril Andrew

About Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program

The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program is part of the University of Alaska system. ANSEP is focused on providing an excellent education and a life of unlimited possibilities for every Alaskan. 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. With ANSEP’s full-time Acceleration Academy component, students can go from eighth grade to earning a bachelor’s degree in five years. More information is available at www.ANSEP.net.