Briefing Paper

Third graders who can't read or sixth graders who can't do math are not a challenge for the K-12 community alone – they are a challenge for us all. Our state simply cannot succeed in any endeavor unless its people are educated.

The lines between work ready and college ready have blurred. Most jobs require technical skills that can only develop in the mind of someone who has already learned the basics. The same is true of vocational schools, trade unions...and the University of Alaska. To be successful, employers and postsecondary educators must assume Alaska’s high school graduates possess these basic skills when they come to them for further training or a job. Unfortunately, it's increasingly evident that too many Alaska students lack these basic skills. 

The Board of Regents recognizes this, and in an attempt to go upstream in the process, has made outreach to the K-12 system its number one funding priority in the FY10 budget request. UA has available resources in facilities, human capital, experience and research that can be of great benefit to the elementary and secondary school systems of Alaska.

UA’s budget request for K-12 outreach includes bridging programs and summer academies for engineering; early college high school initiatives; math camps; tech prep; and teacher education. UA already conducts these programs, with promising results. But these investments must be broadened to benefit more schools, more students and the social and economic fabric of Alaska.

Bottom Line: UA's bridging programs are crucial for making Alaska more competitive.

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For Information Contact:        
Pete Kelly, Director, State Relations                   
450-8006/463-3086