Alaska Excel seeks $1 million from governor to replace lost federal funds, says program boosts rural graduation and employment

Alaska Excel executives told the House Finance Education Subcommittee on Feb. 20 that the nonprofit’s short, credit‑bearing career and technical education programs provide rural Alaskan students access to courses and credentials they cannot get in small local schools. The organization asked lawmakers to consider $1,000,000 in the governor’s operating budget to replace declining federal support and sustain operations at a planned new facility.

Alaska Excel’s directors, Christina (presented as Christina/Krista in testimony) Wilson and Tony Wilson, described a program that in recent years served 902 students across 13 rural districts, has awarded more than 3,000 half‑high‑school credits since its founding, and reports higher graduation outcomes for participating students. The presenters told the committee that a combined federal and grant revenue stream previously covered most tuition, leaving districts responsible primarily for travel costs to Anchorage, but recent federal grant losses left the nonprofit with a large budget gap.

Funding and ask. Alaska Excel reported an operating budget in the $4.3 million range in 2023–24, with roughly $2.8 million coming from Alaska Native Education grants and other federal sources. The organization said it lost roughly 65 percent of its operating revenue last year when federal funding ended and that it received a one‑year federal appropriation of approximately $750,000 in the prior cycle. To stabilize operations next year — and to continue serving about 500 rural students annually at a planned facility — Alaska Excel requested $1,000,000 in the governor’s proposed operating budget and outlined ongoing federal grant applications (an FAA grant for roughly $500,000 per year for two years and an Indian education grant of about $1.5 million per year for up to five years).

Programs and partners. The nonprofit runs three program strands: foundational sessions (grade‑based short intensives that emphasize employability and postsecondary planning), specialty CTE sessions (aviation, welding, heavy equipment operation, public safety and similar industry certificates), and senior transition/capstone internships. Presenters highlighted outcomes from an aviation strand (12 students earned private pilot licenses; several have pursued commercial or instrument ratings), partnerships with Northern Industrial Training and Avtec for technical certificates, and articulation of many courses to Perkins funding so districts can use Perkins funds to support travel and participation.

Costs, access, and district role. Presenters told the committee districts typically pay travel from village hubs to Anchorage; Alaska Excel tries to cover tuition with federal grants when available. Travel can be expensive from many rural hubs — testimony cited one‑way fares near $1,000 in some routes — and districts sometimes charter aircraft to reduce per‑student cost. Alaska Excel said they require a teacher and principal recommendation for student participation and screen students for readiness; tuition has been fully covered under prior federal grants, leaving travel as the main district expense.

Outcomes. Alaska Excel reported that 94 percent of alumni remain in Alaska and 70 percent remain in rural communities; roughly 80 percent of alumni report current work in a career cluster and 68 percent continue subsistence activities important to rural life. Leaders argued that their program helps students transition to local careers and reduces out‑migration of trained youth.

Risks and next steps. Presenters said their lease at Alaska Pacific University expires in July and they plan to relocate into a facility near Northern Industrial Training; without sustained state or federal support they said the nonprofit would need to cut sessions and staff. Committee members asked about certification, costs, safety and screening; presenters said industry partners and certified instructors deliver specialized training, full background checks are conducted, and overnight chaperones and cameras are used during residential sessions.

Ending: Alaska Excel’s leaders asked the subcommittee to consider their $1,000,000 request for the governor’s operating budget while federal grant outcomes are pending; members asked the presenters to provide fee schedules and cost breakdowns to the committee for follow‑up review.