-AEF Future Leaders Program-
Arctic Education Foundation’s Future Leaders Program identifies high school students from the eight North Slope communities through an application process. The program is designed to empower students, encourage personal and developmental growth, and provide them with the tools to be successful after high school.
Future Leaders exposes students to various educational and workforce options such
as career paths, college and vocational training introduction, scholarship opportunities, hands-on experience in different industries, and an overview of ANCSA and the history of North Slope organizations.
Open to high school students from the North Slope, this program is a partnership with ASRC, the North Slope Borough (NSB), North Slope Borough Search & Rescue, ICAS, ASNA, the NSB School District, ConocoPhillips, Santos and ASRC Construction.
The program was held April 15-18th, 2024, for 11th & 12th grade students and took place in Utqiaġvik, AK. A total of 21 students from across the North Slope attended.
AEF and its Board of Directors implemented the Future Leaders Summit to expose students to various educational and workforce career paths, college and vocational training opportunities, scholarship opportunities, hands-on experience in different industries, and an overview of North Slope history, including ANCSA and the start of multiple regional organizations. This summit was established to educate and empower youth, foster their development, and provide encouragement as they start to prepare for graduation and transition into becoming young leaders within their communities.
AEF would like to thank all its partners who developed hands-on sessions which provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the different industries, have hands-on exposure to careers, and an understanding of training or education requirements are needed to fill those positions and roles.
Quyanaqpak!
Arctic Slope Native Association (Healthcare)
NSB Search & Rescue (Aviation & Mechanics)
NSB School District (Elementary Education)
ASRC Construction (Construction)
NSB Wildlife Department (Science)
UIC Arctic Development (Arctic Science Research & Gravel Pits)
Santos, ConocoPhillips, & ASRC Energy (Oil & Gas)
Quyanaqpak to its honored guest the NSB Mayor, Josiah Patkotak for taking time to speak encouraging words to the youth and share about North Slope Borough Economics.
AEF also wants to thank Voice of the Arctic and the following panel of guest speakers who shared information about ANCSA and the history of North Slope organizations.
ASRC- Crawford Patkotak & Bridget Anderson
ICAS- Megan Edwardson
IỊisaġvik- Justina Wilhelm
NSB- Jack Frantz
NSBSD- Frieda Nageak
City of Utqiagvik – Mayor Asisaun Toovak
UIC- Dr. Pearl Brower
Voice of the Arctic- Kate Wolgemuth
Quyanaqpak to ASRC Eskimo’s Inc., Robin Sanford for sharing information on the NSB Comprehensive Plan and allowing the youth to be involved in the conversation regarding planning for their communities.
AEF gives a special thanks to the Arctic Slope Community Foundation for leading a workshop in partnership with OG Triple V Vera Nungasak and Craig “Daaqsi” Moore on harnessing social media! A big thank you to their Executive Director, Patuk Glenn, for facilitating the Future Leaders Summit and continuing to encourage the youth!
Quyanaq to the NSBSD for supporting AEF during the process of the summit and to IỊisaġvik College and IHLC for providing a space to learn!
Without the support of our partners like these, the Future Leaders Summit would not be possible. AEF appreciates all the work invested in the local youth!
Last Arctic Education Foundation would like to acknowledge and congratulate the 21 students who made an effort to attend and complete the summit. Their hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed! Keep up the good work!
The Future Leaders Summit was funded by the Arctic Slope Community Foundation, the North Slope Borough, and Hilcorp.
Quyanaqpak to Jesse Darling, who photographed the 2024 summit!
If you have any questions, please email arcticed@asrc.com, or call (907) 852-9456
