College prep program seeks rural students

Submitted by Denise Wartes
Phone: (907) 474-6886
12/13/04

High school juniors and seniors in rural Alaska are encouraged to apply for the upcoming Rural Alaska Honors Institute, a six-week college preparatory program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks designed to help students succeed in college by sharpening academic and coping skills. This summer students from around the state will experience college life by living on the UAF campus in a residence hall staffed by full-time tutor counselors. They’ll earn college credit in courses such as writing for college, study skills, pre-calculus, Alaska Native psychology, biochemistry, geoscience, museum studies, introduction to computers, swimming and Alaska Native dance.

"The RAHI community experience is an important step for students from rural Alaska," said Denise Wartes, RAHI program coordinator. "In just six weeks students build a strong support system that helps them succeed in college and beyond."

Over the years RAHI alumni have earned 174 baccalaureate degrees, 64 associate degrees, 31 certificates, 32 master’s degrees, 10 Ph.D.s and one medical degree.

"Nearly 150 more students are currently in college working toward their degrees,"? said Wartes. "We’re proud of their accomplishments."

The program, funded in 1983 at the request of the Alaska Federation of Natives, helps build a life-long community of scholars and supportive friendships to help students surmount social and academic challenges. Many RAHI alumni are now in Alaska’s professional workforce, employed in public and private sectors.

If selected, the students travel expenses, tuition, room, board, books and supplies are paid for by RAHI. Interested students need at least a 3.0 grade point average. The application deadline is March 31, 2005. Program dates are May 28-July 9, 2005.

Applications may be downloaded at http://www.uaf.edu/rahi/, obtained from school counselors, local Native tribal entities, or by contacting RAHI at (800) 478-6886 or e-mail fyrahi@uaf.edu. The program is structured under UAF’s College of Rural Alaska.