Bridging Institute Provides Transitional Support for Incoming Freshmen at UAA

Fourteen University of Alaska Anchorage freshmen from rural Alaska had an opportunity to explore the waters, glaciers and marine life of Prince William Sound on a Wilderness Explorer Glacier Cruise out of Whittier in August. The students were enrolled in Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s fourth annual Summer Bridging Institute, which provides new students from rural Alaska a head start on their freshmen year at UAA. Participants are provided opportunities to make new friends while getting acquainted with campus and urban life and practicing skills necessary for college success. During the program’s 10 days, students move into their dorms, learn their way around town and campus, finalize academic and financial plans and meet with academic leaders such as UAA Chancellor Dr. Elaine Maimon.

The heart of the program is a specially designed two-credit UAA class called Learning Strategies where students learn effective study skills, get advice from guest speakers and become familiar with campus resources. Through daily reading and journal assignments, the students were encouraged to draw important connections between culture, education, history, leadership and achievement. Most importantly, the program gives rural students a sense of belonging and community as they settle into life on Alaska’s largest university campus. Besides studying and attending class, the students spent time kayaking and mountain biking at Eklutna, visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center, swam and hiked. For the fourth year, a highlight of the program has been the Prince William Sound Cruises & Tours adventure, which is donated by CIRI Alaska Tourism. For more information about the Summer Bridging Institute, contact Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Youth Opportunities Department at (907) 297-1724.

Eighth Annual Gathering Focuses on Health

Better Alaska Native Health through Research is the topic of Southcentral Foundation’s 8th Annual Gathering, taking place Saturday, Feb. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Egan Civic and Convention Center, located at 555 W. Fifth Avenue in Anchorage. Learn about careers in health and research, meet Native doctors and nurses, attend research conference sessions and find out how you can help shape the healthy Native community of the future. Representatives from the other CIRI non-profit organizations will also be on hand with information about their programs and services. For more information, call (907) 729-4955 or (800) 478-3343.