Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
This four-year project will take place in Bethel, Alaska, serving the Southwest region. Bethel is the hub community for this area, providing essential services including higher education. The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Kuskokwim Campus (KuC) and the UAF Cooperative Extension Yukon-Kuskokwim District Office (CES) are located in Bethel. Situated in Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, about 400 miles west of Anchorage, Bethel's remote setting presents significant challenges related to accessibility and transportation. The town can only be accessed by air or barge, which limits the availability of goods and services and increases the cost of living due to logistical challenges.This region is not connected to other parts of the state by road. The cost of living is high because goods must be transported by air or seasonally by barge. Energy costs, for example, are approximately twice as expensive in Bethel compared to the U.S. average (heating fuel oil: Bethel $6.68/gal vs. U.S. avg. $3.20/gal; gasoline: Bethel $6.78/gal vs. U.S. avg. $3.26/gal)1. Groceries are also 2.65 times more expensive (Bethel $345 vs. U.S. avg. $130 for one week)1. The high cost of living, combined with limited employment opportunities and low incomes, has led to a high poverty rate of 33.45%2 .This project will serve rural villages with large Alaska Native populations. In the Southwest region, 86.4% of the population identifies as Alaska Native, although actual percentages are likely higher as these statistics do not include those who self-identify as two or more races2.There is a shortage of well-paying jobs in our area, and many students cannot attend school because they need to work. This pilot project aims to test the concept of offering a paid position with on-the-job training along with a scholarship to students. This approach will provide students with a salary to pay household bills, valuable work experience to include on their resumes, and a Certificate or Associate's degree that can help them secure better-paying jobs after graduation. This initiative aims to make participants valuable hires for higher-than-entry-level positions.Additionally, the project aims to significantly improve retention and completion rates for Native students. By providing financial support and practical work experience, students will be more likely to stay in school and complete their programs. The structured support system is projected to alleviate the financial burden and provide a clear pathway to employment, thus addressing two major barriers to educational attainment. The combination of financial assistance, real-world experience, and academic support is expected to create a more conducive learning environment, ultimately leading to higher graduation rates and better job prospects for Native students.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The shortage of well-paying jobs in the Southwest region of Alaska prevents many students from attending school because they need to work. The proposed project will address this challenge by offering a paid position with on-the-job training and a scholarship to students. The paid position will provide students with a salary to pay household bills, valuable work experience to include on their resumes, and a Certificate or Associate's degree that can help them secure better-paying jobs after graduation. This initiative aims to make participants valuable hires for higher-than-entry-level positions.Additionally, the project aims to significantly improve retention and completion rates for Native students. By providing financial support and practical work experience, students will be more likely to stay in school and complete their programs. The structured support system is projected to alleviate the financial burden and provide a clear pathway to employment, thus addressing two major barriers to educational attainment. The combination of financial assistance, real-world experience, and academic support is expected to create a more conducive learning environment, ultimately leading to higher graduation rates and better job prospects for Native students. KuC currently has a New Beginning for Tribal Student award. The current project aims to expand and enhance educational opportunities in Bethel, Alaska, focusing on two main objectives:1. Increase Secondary Student Engagement:By expanding the availability of dual credit Tribal Management courses to additional high schools and increasing student enrollment from 132 to 176 over four years, the project will help students transition from high school to university.2. Re Engage Former Students:Partnering with the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP), the project will support 12 AVCP staff members in completing their degrees, aiming for at least four to graduate within four years. This includes tailored academic plans and tuition support.Support activities include comprehensive student services, orientation programs, experiential learning opportunities, and cultural awareness initiatives, ensuring students receive the necessary resources to succeed academically and professionally.
Project Methods
To accomplish the objectives of the project, KuC will implement a structured methodology focusing on recruitment, training, and support for tribal students. The initial phase (Months 1-6) will concentrate on recruitment efforts to fill two positions: a Receptionist/Business Office role and an IT Helpdesk position. These positions will offer scholarships covering tuition, fees, and materials, enabling students to pursue either a Certificate or Associate's Degree in Applied Business or Applied Science (Computer Science) over the duration of the grant.During the subsequent phase (Months 7-48), students will engage in a comprehensive training program while concurrently attending classes. They will receive dedicated work time to attend classes, ensuring their academic pursuits do not conflict with their professional responsibilities. Training will be provided in a manner akin to standard employee onboarding processes, ensuring students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.Key resources and personnel, including the Business Office Manager and IT Lead, will play pivotal roles in training and mentoring the students. Their support and guidance will be instrumental in facilitating the students' transition into their respective positions and academic endeavors. Additionally, the Campus Director, serving as the Principal Investigator (PI), will oversee the administration of the grant, ensuring compliance with all requirements and facilitating smooth project execution.Cultural sensitivity and awareness will be paramount throughout the project. Administrators must be cognizant of cultural nuances and sensitivities, particularly regarding subsistence activities during the summer months. Moreover, employing a trauma-informed communication approach is essential, recognizing the unique challenges and experiences faced by many tribal students. The project aims to foster confidence in students' abilities, preparation, and native identity, countering historical discouragement from pursuing paths requiring critical thinking and analytical skills.Regarding training for administrators, thorough cultural awareness sessions have already been conducted, ensuring they are well-equipped to engage effectively with Native students on a daily basis. Continuous reinforcement of cultural sensitivity principles will be integrated into ongoing professional development initiatives to sustain a supportive and inclusive environment throughout the project's duration.