Nome Sweet Homes supports the implementation of the ANSEP Acceleration Academy within the Nome School District. This innovative program has the potential to profoundly transform the educational opportunities available to our students, equipping them with the tools, skills, and confidence to succeed academically and beyond.
ANSEP (Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program) has a proven track record of academic excellence, enabling students to transition from eighth grade to earning a bachelor’s degree in just five years. Families who enroll their students in the full-time Acceleration Academy can save $75,000 or more in college costs. Furthermore, the program significantly reduces the burden on local, state, and federal governments by lowering the cost of a degree to less than $100,000—compared to nearly $300,000 under the traditional educational model.
Our students consistently perform below national standards, and we must explore proven, innovative solutions. ANSEP’s project-based learning model has demonstrated its effectiveness, mirroring the success of our own Anvil City Science Academy. By fostering hands-on, practical learning, this approach engages students and encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities essential for success in the modern workforce.
Anvil City Science Academy has shown us the potential of a high-expectation, community-supported educational environment. With its family-oriented and rigorous academic approach, the Academy sets a standard for excellence in Nome. ANSEP’s Acceleration Academy builds on this foundation, providing an even broader scope of opportunity by integrating technology, scientific research, and a pathway to advanced degrees.
By adopting ANSEP’s model, we can ensure that all students have access to higher education and the tools to thrive in their chosen fields. The program eliminates the need for remediation, reduces the social costs of failure, and instills in students the belief that success is not only possible but expected.
The investment in ANSEP is an investment in our children, our community, and our future.