Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program seeks full funding for House Bill 53

The Alaska House Finance Committee convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss critical educational funding initiatives, focusing on programs that support high school students in achieving college readiness and success. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for the continued support of educational programs that have demonstrated significant impact on student outcomes.

The first speaker highlighted the success of the Ansett program, which allows high school students to graduate with nearly two years of college credits. This program not only reduces the need for remediation but also shortens the time required for degree completion, ultimately saving families and the state millions of dollars. The speaker, a former participant, emphasized the program's role in providing essential support through tutoring, organized study groups, and internship opportunities, which enhance student retention and success rates. They noted that without such programs, many students would leave Alaska for education elsewhere, resulting in a loss of workforce and community engagement.

Following this testimony, Alex Bernard, the acceleration director for the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSIP) in Bethel, spoke in favor of full funding for House Bill 53. He detailed the program's growth from 17 students in its first year to a current enrollment of 50, with projections of 60 to 70 students for the upcoming fall semester. Bernard reported a high average GPA of 3.4 and a 98 percent completion rate among participants. He underscored the importance of the program in providing educational opportunities in rural Alaska, urging the committee to support the funding necessary for its continuation.

The meeting also included a call from Debbie Collins, a special education teacher in Cordova, who expressed her support for educational initiatives that cater to diverse learning needs.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored the vital role of educational programs in fostering academic achievement and community development in Alaska. The testimonies highlighted the need for sustained funding to ensure that students across the state have access to the resources necessary for their success. The committee's next steps will likely involve deliberations on the proposed funding measures to support these impactful educational programs.