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Partnership Helps Native Alaskans Attend College
SOLDOTNA, AK (November 28, 2005) - Native Alaskan students who might not
otherwise have attended college are now doing so through a cooperative
program between Alaska Christian College (ACC) and Kenai Peninsula
Community College (KPCC).
Twelve students now take some classes at ACC while taking a majority of
general education classes at KPCC.
ACC is operated by the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska and part of
its mission is to help Native Alaskans transition from village life to
their first year of college life. Less than five percent of Alaska
Native high school graduates complete even their first semester of
college, statistics show. The two institutions are developing
scholarships, payment plans, tutoring and other means to help students
have success.
ACC was formed in 2000 and each year is improving on reaching that goal,
officials say. They point to students like Joleen Huffmon, who is
attending her second year at ACC but also is carrying a full load of
classes at KPCC as she pursues an English degree and a journalism career.
Lindsey Kinegak has returned for a third year at ACC, having completed a
two-year Certificate of Biblical and General Studies at ACC, and is now
pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at KPCC. She says the "close-knit
family environment" helps her continue with her educational and
spiritual growth.
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