Alaska students advocate for ANSEP funding to support education opportunities

The Alaska House Finance Committee convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues affecting educational programs in rural areas, particularly the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP). The meeting featured testimonies from students and community members advocating for the restoration of funding for ANSEP, which they argue is essential for providing educational opportunities to students in rural Alaska.

The session began with a heartfelt testimony from Viosa Palumbi, a recent graduate who credited ANSEP with enabling her to earn over 60 college credits alongside her high school diploma. She emphasized that the program provided her with the necessary structure, mentorship, and resources to succeed academically. Palumbi warned that cutting ANSEP's funding would jeopardize similar opportunities for future students, urging the committee to restore full state funding to ensure that rural students can access quality education and develop leadership skills.

Following Palumbi, Dylan Hackney, another student involved with ANSEP, echoed her sentiments, stating that his experience in the program had significantly enhanced his learning compared to traditional public schooling. He expressed gratitude for the support from state representatives, particularly Neli Jimmy, who acknowledged the importance of youth voices in these discussions.

Isabella Mandrique, a sophomore at ANSEP, also provided testimony, sharing her positive experiences and the opportunities the program has afforded her. She highlighted the importance of scholarships that ANSEP offers, which can alleviate college expenses for families. Mandrique expressed hope that continued financial support for ANSEP would empower students to contribute positively to Alaska's future.

The meeting concluded with a statement from Patty Weisel of Fairbanks, who thanked the committee for maintaining the full statutory Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) for 2025, indicating a broader concern for financial support within the state.

Overall, the testimonies presented during the meeting underscored the vital role of ANSEP in fostering educational success among rural students in Alaska. The committee's decisions regarding funding will be pivotal in shaping the educational landscape for these communities in the coming years.