CRSD Middle School Students Explore STEM Learning in Anchorage

Five seventh- and eighth-grade students from the Copper River School District attended the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program’s (ANSEP) Middle School Academy in Anchorage March 22-28: Styrling Anderson, River Bengston, McKenzie Kautz, Timothy Lorenz, and Tovey Malone-Crane.

ANSEP’s goal is to nurture students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math. During their week at the UAA campus, ANSEP participants engaged in activities like computer coding, designing a bridge, and learning about topics and industries relevant to Alaska like earthquakes and the water system.

Kenny Lake seventh-grader Styrling Anderson wants to become a mechanic and study some kind of engineering. One of her favorite aspects of the program was building a personal computer. 

Upstream seventh-grader River Bengtson said she especially enjoyed sharing the ANSEP experience with other students who have similar interests in science and technology. In addition to the students from the Copper River, the ANSEP session at the end of March included students from Alaska Gateway, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and Bering Strait school districts, with a total of 47 participants.

In a press release, ANSEP Executive Director Matt Calhoun stated, “Middle school is a formative time when students start to imagine what their future career could look like. When students discover what they are capable of early on, it builds confidence and curiosity that can guide them through their education and help them pursue opportunities they may not have otherwise considered.”

Joyell Acuna is an ANSEP alumna who attended her first ANSEP program as a high school junior in 2011. She went on to be offered an internship with one of ANSEP’s partners and received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. She said she met several of her educational mentors at ANSEP.

“I owe so much of my career trajectory (to ANSEP),” Acuna stated in an interview. “I can’t speak highly enough of it.”

ANSEP has programs for students from kindergarten to high school and beyond. It is part of the University of Alaska system and has seen nearly 3,000 student participants. You can find more information or apply for one of their educational programs at www.ANSEP.net.

You might enjoy a story from our archive about ANSEP grad Tvetene Carlson's graduate work in 2021.