ANSEP receives $5 million award from Rasmuson Foundation

The Rasmuson Foundation Board of Directors announced on July 15 that the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) will receive a $5 million award over five years as part of the Foundation's Tier 2 grant program. UAA will match the Rasmuson Foundation award with increased program support that will reach $1 million annually after year five to help institutionalize and sustain ANSEP's award-winning components.

"For decades leaders in the Native community and rural villages have struggled with how best to raise their students' achievements. The key to ANSEP's success is really simple. If you raise expectations for students, provide access to challenging curricula and provide a supportive environment that expects high achievement, the students will exceed expectations. 'Each one, teach one,' is the working philosophy," said Rasmuson Foundation President Diane Kaplan. "New ANSEP students stand on the shoulders of the successful students who came before them and receive a helping hand from their predecessors."

Rasmuson Foundation has exhibited strong support of ANSEP's mission and program components over the years. The Foundation provided a $2 million challenge grant for the state-of-the-art ANSEP Building at UAA, which was opened in 2006, as well as a $2 million challenge grant for the Dr. Herbert P. Schroeder ANSEP Endowed Chair in 2008.

"UAA is grateful for the Rasmuson Foundation's generous ongoing support of one of the University of Alaska's flagship programs," said UAA Chancellor Tom Case. "ANSEP is making an enormous difference in the lives of our students. This $5 million gift will do much to sustain and grow the impact of this innovative and successful program."

This $5 million grant makes up the largest single grant ANSEP has ever received. The funds may be used over a period of five years to enable the successful continuation and growth of the program's components.

"Rasmuson Foundation was one of the first advocates for ANSEP. Together with the ANSEP partners, we are transforming the education and economic opportunities for Alaska Natives and other students across Alaska," said ANSEP Founder and Vice Provost Herb Ilisaurri Schroeder, Ph.D. "The new Rasmuson Foundation funds provide a major opportunity to extend and institutionalize our work. We are honored and humbled."

Tier 2 awards are for strategic projects and the expansion or start-up of innovative programs by established organizations. The Board of Directors considers Tier 2 grants, which are more than $25,000, twice a year at its board meetings. Letters of inquiry are required and accepted year-round, followed by a detailed proposal by selected organizations.

About ANSEP The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) is part of the University of Alaska system and strives to effect systemic change in the hiring patterns of Alaska Natives in science and engineering by placing students on a career path to leadership. In addition to the many students who have come through ANSEP in the past, there are currently more than 1,250 Alaska Native middle school, high school and university students and ANSEP alumni. ANSEP's model is developed to support students from sixth grade through high school and into science and engineering undergraduate degree programs and through graduate school to the doctorate level. The focus of each ANSEP component is to provide excitement and empowerment around these career options.

About Rasmuson Foundation Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband E.A. Rasmuson. The foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

Visit the Rasmuson Foundation website for more information on the award.

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