Della Keats program introduces Alaskan high schoolers to degrees and careers in healthcare
by Janelle Richards |
The Della Keats Health Sciences Program (DKHSP) has persevered many lifetimes throughout its decades-long history. After a brief hiatus, the program resumed in 2024 as a collaboration between the WWAMI School of Medical Education and the Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce (ACRH-HW). The newest iteration of the program focuses on serving Alaska Native/American Indian (AN/AI) high school students interested in healthcare careers.
In early July, 17 students–13 of whom are AN/AI–arrived on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. Students came from across Alaska: Mekoryuk, Hoonah, Atqasuk, Chuathbaluk, Bethel, Nuiqsut, Kotlik, Manokotak, Aleknagik, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. The four-week program provided a well-rounded view of college classes, residence life, campus navigation, and basic life skills.
Students took pre-college classes that included Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Writing. They also completed three simulations at the Interprofessional Health Science Simulation Center, dissected a cadaver in the Anatomy Lab, and sutured bananas at the MEDEX Physician Assistant Program. Activities outside of the classroom were just as engaging. Students went rafting on the Kenai River, canoeing and swimming at Mirror Lake, rock climbing, explored the city of Anchorage, and so much more.
This program provides valuable experience, knowledge, and resources to students that help them progress in their healthcare careers. From 2000-2013, a total of 237 students participated in the Della Keats Program. Among those students, 69% graduated with a degree, 74% of which were health-related. Furthermore, 18% of those who graduated earned a Master’s (or higher) health degree. In addition to academic achievements, students also build a network of support. This support system plays a vital role in students navigating their health careers.
Clement Simmonds-Frankson (16, Atqasuk), a student from the 2026 Cohort, shared, “My experience at Della Keats was amazing. From the cadaver lab to the amazing trips we had, I don’t think I would be able to pull through with it if it wasn’t for the amazing mentors, teachers, and, most importantly, the amazing friends I made along the way. This four-week program is amazing for people to learn more about the health field. I definitely recommend this trip for anyone that is interested in the health field and has one month to spare in the summer.”
With the aim of increasing AN/AI student retention in post-secondary education and training, ACRH-HW has expanded its support for students to include the Della Keats Student Learning Community (DKSLC). This community currently serves University of Alaska Anchorage undergraduate degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students, along with DKHSP alumni. The DKSLC is grounded in Indigenous values and knowledge, and it supports future Alaskan healers through authentic connections, as well as academic and career support. We hope to usher students from the DKHSP into the DKSLC to continue helping them navigate their healthcare career pathway. To learn more and to connect with the DKSLC, you can fill out the interest form here: DKSLC Interest Form.
CATEGORIES
TAGS
- Awards
- Behavioral Health
- Climate Change
- Community
- COVID-19
- Faculty Feature
- Food Security
- Forensic Care
- Giving
- Simulation
- Workforce Development
ACADEMIC UNITS
- Department of Human Services
- Division of Population Health Sciences
- Justice Center
- School of Allied Health
- School of Nursing
- School of Preventive & Therapeutic Sciences
- School of Social Work
PARTNER PROGRAMS
CENTERS & INSTITUTES
- Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce
- Center for Human Development
- Child Welfare Academy
- Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center
- National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders
MEDIA INQUIRIES / STORY LEADS