UAA set to host virtual Anchorage Alaska College & Career Fair

On Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) will host the 39th annual Anchorage Alaska College & Career Fair (AACCF.) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will be facilitated virtually through an online platform called StriveScan. The fair is free for attendees and serves as a valuable opportunity for Alaska students to explore a breadth of postsecondary options, including pursuing a higher education at UAA. 

The AACCF is traditionally held in venues such as the Alaska Airlines Center. In the past, it has been hosted by UAA’s TRIO programs. This year, the event was planned and managed by a committee led by the UAA Offices of Career Services and Admissions. 

While the in-person event generally attracts students from the Anchorage and surrounding areas, the virtual platform will make the fair more accessible to students, parents and counselors from across the state. UAA has worked in conjunction with school districts from Juneau to Fairbanks to expand the reach of the fair and get the word out to as many Alaska students and jobseekers as possible.

“The virtual nature of this fair is allowing us to reach students across Alaska, which is a silver lining during this time,” said Cassie Keefer, executive director of the UAA Office of Admissions. “Collaborating with districts across the state has been valuable in expanding the reach of this fair, and we look forward to serving our Alaska students in this expanded capacity.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 4–7:45 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to hear from colleges and universities presenting on a variety of different topics, including Navigating Financial Aid, Preparing for College, Exploring WUE in Washington and more. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 14 from noon–3:45 p.m., a virtual college fair will allow students to hear from several different colleges and universities during individualized sessions. Students and guests will have the ability to ask questions of college representatives, and each session will have six different colleges and universities represented. Students and parents are encouraged to register for multiple sessions in order to maximize their opportunity to meet, network and learn about the various options available to them. 

In each session, representatives will share valuable information and highlights about their respective schools or organizations. UAA will have representatives present to talk about everything from admissions and financial aid to specific majors and programs within each of the academic colleges. 

“So much has changed since the pandemic started, but one thing that has not changed is the critical importance of postsecondary education and career training for students and job seekers in Alaska,” said Whitney Brown, director of UAA Career Services. “Thousands of students are still graduating from Alaska high schools in the coming year and will be looking to start their next chapter. We’re committed to helping students explore all of the college and career options ahead of them through this virtual opportunity.”

To register or learn more, visit the Anchorage Alaska College & Career Fair website. Questions can be directed to the planning committee at 907-786-6913 or anchoragecollegecareerfair@alaska.edu.