FNA expands career training program offerings

May 17, 2021

From Diana Campbell, Fairbanks Native Association
907-452-1648 x6236

Photo courtesy of Fairbanks Native Association. A student who is part of the Fairbanks Native Association's NACTEP program holds a UAF diploma cover.

Fairbanks Native Association is now offering free tuition for Alaska Natives/American Indians in over 40 programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College.

The FNA program, called the Native American Career and Technical Education Program, will also cover books, fees and supplies for course offerings in medical, construction, business, fire science, culinary, information technology, paralegal and more.

The program is looking for local and Fairbanks North Star Borough School District AN/AI sophomores, juniors and seniors, but is available to eligible adults.

“Imagine getting a high school diploma and a college degree or certificate at the same time,” said Erin Edenshaw, FNA NACTEP coordinator. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Alaska Native high schoolers."

The NACTEP program, part of FNA’s Johnson O’Malley Program, was once known as the Allied Health Pathways Program. It offered free tuition, fees and materials for eight options at UAF CTC’s Allied Health Program. Recently the Native American Career and Technical Education Program, under the U.S. Department of Education, opened up the grant to cover all of UAF CTC offerings.

Currently, the program will go to September 2022.

“This exciting FNA program helps to ensure equal access to education,” said Michele Stalder, UAF CTC dean. “CTC is excited and honored to partner with FNA to educate Alaskans for Alaska's jobs."

Steve Ginnis, FNA executive director, notes the program is part of FNA’s mission.

“The education of our young people has always been part of Fairbanks Native Association,” he said. “This is a good opportunity that I hope many will take advantage of.”

Learn more at Fairbanks Native Association's NACTEP webpage.