RAHI 2026 Dates Announced! Join us in Fairbanks from May 26th - July 10th.

What We Do

Empowering rural Alaskan students to succeed in higher education since 1983.

Rural Alaska Honors Institute

RAHI is a six-week summer program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks that helps high school students get a head start on college.

With RAHI, students live on campus, take real college courses, and build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

RAHI is offered at no cost to students and their families.

Learn More

Free Credits

Dive into college courses, taught just for you—earn up to 10 credits.

Lifelong Friendships

Meet peers who share your interests and let your true self shine—friends for life.

College Ready

Gain confidence navigating campus, classes, and college life—succeed anywhere.

Start Your Application

Discover RAHI: Your Questions, Answered

Thinking about RAHI? Join us for Discover RAHI: Your Questions, Answered, a special info session for students, families, and educators.

Learn what to expect from RAHI 2026
Get help with your application
Hear from past RAHI alumni about their experience

We’ll keep the presentation short and spend most of our time answering your questions.

When: January 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Where: Zoom — Register at https://shorturl.at/oldTs

The Difference We Make

Real impact from real students across Alaska and generations.

1,990 Alumni

Living and working across Alaska and beyond.

1,500+ Degrees Earned

From certificates to doctorates, alumni succeed at every level.

88 Universities Nationwide

Alumni are enrolled at institutions across the U.S.

$9,000 Value

Students attend RAHI at no cost to their families.

As a rural Alaskan myself, I watch as my education gets neglected in my community; coming to RAHI to get the exceptional education that I need to be successful means a lot to me. I feel supported and acknowledged. Nick Luois Amora, Unalaska, RAHI 2024

I have learned so much in a short period of time - knowledge that will be a huge benefit as I begin college in the fall. My time at RAHI has given me confidence in my own abilities and a desire to lead a successful life.Isabelle Ranck, Tazlina, RAHI 2023

RAHI is such a good program to get your young adult ready for college. Truly a game changer helping me in my college commitment and journey.Dawn Skee Jackson, Kake, RAHI 1988

I highly recommend this program! When I was in 11th grade I attended and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had in preparing for college. You get a taste of college life and have fun in the process. You make friends from all over Alaska. After returning home, it made my senior year a breeze.Jerica Niayuq Leavitt, Utqiagvik, 2009

I know that I will continue to carry the things I have learned here with me and explore them further in the future.Scarlett Johnson, Kodiak, RAHI 2024

At RAHI, I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime and met people that I hope to stay in touch with for years to come.Chunhui Billings, Utqiagvik, RAHI 2022

RAHI is truly a wonderful program and has helped me and many other students grow. I truly believe that RAHI has positively impacted me. After these long (but fun!) six weeks, I feel more prepared for college.Magdelina Stringer, Utqiagvik, 2023

It’s really amazing to be able to take classes and meet new people during the summer to prepare for college!Eliana Hatch, Chistochina, RAHI 2022

My appreciation for other cultures has grown from the very beginning I was here. In some ways, how I think has even changed. Koen Kohrt, Fairbanks, RAHI 2022

This great program allowed me and many other real students in Alaska to gain the experience of college life and helped better prepare me for my future ahead.Kristen Maxie, Napaskiak, RAHI 2024

This has been one of the most enriching experiences I've had and I am very grateful that it was possible for me to do.Serena Hotch-Mattson, Gustavus, RAHI 2022

Thanks to this program I'm no longer nervous about college and I believe I found a university that I want to attend after I graduate.Dacota Heakin, Eek, RAHI 2022

Support RAHI

Meet Our Alumni

Our graduates go on to strengthen their communities and beyond.

Bernard Pete, Nunam Iqua

RAHI alumnus Bernard Pete ( RAHI '21) shares how a last-minute phone call changed everything, setting him on a path from Nunam Iqua to UAF and toward a future in social work serving Alaska’s families.

Read Bernard's Story