North Pole High School senior Liam Wade has a message for schools. At the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual conference, he told attendees, “So often in Alaska’s schools we’re teaching for lower-48 jobs; we’re teaching for lower-48 opinions and opportunities.” He called on schools to meet students where their interests are, as well as where the financial and educational opportunities are.
Here in Alaska, we have plentiful opportunities for employment and to receive additional education. Nearly 9 out of 10 Alaskan students who responded to the School Climate & Connectedness Survey indicated they want more education after high school. Yet we struggle to connect students with those opportunities.
Consider that Alaska continues to have the lowest completion rate of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Also known as the FAFSA, this form is the key to unlocking millions of dollars in scholarships and grants for college and career training, like the Alaska Vocational Technical Center. One report estimates Alaskan students missed out on $7 million in free federal financial aid simply by not completing the FAFSA last year.
One clear reason to involve families in the postsecondary planning process is that the FAFSA requires both students and their parents or guardians to complete the form (there is an option for students to file independently; however, it is more complicated).
Perhaps even more important than filling out a single form is the role that families play throughout a student’s life, supporting and guiding them toward their future hopes and dreams.
In an ever-changing landscape of postsecondary options, most families aren’t aware of when and how best to support their child. To make it easier to share this information with families, the Alaska Family Engagement Center has posted sample messages to share with families, example emails about the Alaska Performance Scholarships, and other resources that schools can share with families.
Explore these materials and let us know your thoughts. If your school is interested in trying out these activities or hosting workshops, please reach out to Emily Ferry to collaborate.