ANSEP Middle School Academy (MSA) is an academic and residential experience that emphasizes increasing students’ mathematics and science knowledge and skills while introducing them to college life. ANSEP promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Each day students will participate in activities that include problem solving, research, critical thinking and communication skills. Industry professionals, university faculty and ANSEP staff will lead activities. This fall session offering is sponsored and in partnership with the Northwest Arctic Borough School District (NWABSD). Students attend the ANSEP Middle School Academy free of charge.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
NWABSD students currently in grade 6, 7, or 8, who:
- Are interested in STEM
- Have at least a B average in science and mathematics courses
- Have not attended a previous ANSEP Middle School Academy on the UAA campus
- Are on track (or have the ability to get on track) to complete Algebra 1 before entering high school
WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE ANSEP MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY OCCUR?
The Academy will be held on the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) campus and hosted by ANSEP from October 20 - October 24, 2025 (Travel dates Oct 19th & Oct 25th). Students will be housed on the UAA campus during the program. It is mandatory for all participants to stay in the provided housing for the duration of the Academy. Transportation will be provided between your hometowns and Anchorage.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Student Information (i.e., school info, AK Regional Corporation and tribal/village affiliation)
- Parent/Guardian Information (i.e., contact info, education)
- Student Short Answer Questions (i.e., ANSEP participation, activities)
- Student Essay (can be copied and pasted into this form or emailed to ANSEP)
- Transcript Release (i.e., student ID #, school contact information)
- Math and Science Teacher Recommendations (link to rec. form is provided in last section). PLEASE share this link with your teacher.
STUDENT ESSAY (REQUIRED)
The student essay is to be typed or neatly hand-written. The essay should be between 500-750 words. Explain to the selection committee:
- WHY you are interested in participating and should be selected,
- WHAT you hope to gain from this experience,
- HOW this experience can help your future, and include any other info that relevant to the selection process.
- Any other info that might relate to the selection process.
PLEASE INCLUDE your name and current grade level at the top of your essay.
When will I know if I have been accepted to attend the ANSEP Middle School Academy?
Selections for the Academy will be made by October 3. You will receive notification; via email and mail on acceptance status.
Who should I contact if I have any questions regarding the ANSEP Middle School Academy?
If you have questions about the application process or need additional information in regards to the Middle School Academy, contact ANSEP at (907) 786-0905 or ansep_msa@uaa.alaska.edu.
If you have questions about where to submit your application, if there is anyone who can help you complete your application, or travel arrangements once you have been accepted, you can contact the following from your school district:
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
Joy Cogburn-Smith
E-mail: jcogburn@nwarctic.org
Phone: (907) 442-1814
