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).<\/p>\n
Twelve students now take some classes at ACC while taking a majority of general education classes at KPCC.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n