Currently, only 67%* of Alaska's high school graduates promptly pursue education/training beyond high school. Whether this is due to a belief it is unnecessary, perception it is out of reach, or lack of encouragement and assistance, many young Alaskans never pursue the many high-skilled careers that require postsecondary education and training.
The Alaska College & Career Advising Consortium (ACAC) can bridge those gaps. ACAC provides training and resources to partners across the state who are committed to developing a postsecondary education culture and helping Alaska's students access and benefit from postsecondary education and career training.
The ACAC program offers:
Training:
An annual intensive in-person week-long training session in Anchorage, at no cost to participants (typically offered in September). The training equips staff at education partner organizations and school districts with a wide array of resources designed to help students access and benefit from postsecondary education and career training
Resources through Statewide Initiatives:
FAFSA Time Alaska (formerly College Goal Alaska)
FAFSA Time Alaska provides FAFSA-specific resources and training to site coordinators volunteering to host FAFSA completion events around the state. The event season runs from October to April.
Apply Now Alaska
The focus of this initiative, based on the American College Application Campaign model, is to assist first-generation and low-income high school students as they navigate the complexities of the admissions process to postsecondary institutions. The event season runs from November to February.
Decision Day Alaska
The focus of this initiative, derived from the national College Decision Day, is to recognize high school seniors for their postsecondary educational plans and encourage younger students and families to prepare early for postsecondary education. The event season runs from May to June.
For more information on the training or statewide initiatives of the ACAC, contact Dominika Szpotanska, ACAC Coordinator, at dominka.szpotanska@alaska.gov or (907) 269-7971.
* Migration Infographic Report - PDF