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UAS outlines expanded dual‑enrollment and workforce courses funded in part by borough grants
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Summary
University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan told the school board it offers co‑sponsored dual‑enrollment and vocational training (CNA, maritime, Yamaha engines) that bring college credit and credentials to high‑school students; some cohorts were funded by borough grants to remove family costs.
University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan campus director Bill Urquhart presented dual‑enrollment and vocational opportunities to the board on March 11 and highlighted programs that connect high‑school students to college credit and local employment.
Urquhart described two models: co‑sponsored courses taught by qualified high‑school teachers during the school day (these carry a current fee of $25 per credit — often paid or subsidized by the district) and courses offered on the university campus, which require standard tuition. He said the campus planned to commit roughly $15,000 in additional tuition waivers next year and that the university had about $40,000 available for institutional waivers, some of which would be earmarked for local outreach and workforce programs.
Examples: a 3‑credit medical terminology course taught at Ketchikan High, a certified nurse assistant (CNA) program that had eight completers in fall and additional registrants for spring, and a maritime basic‑training course scheduled during spring break. Many of those courses were offered at no cost to students this year because borough grant funds (and other local philanthropic and employer support) covered fees. Urquhart said local partners — PeaceHealth, the Pioneer Home, FirstBank and the Southeast Alaska Pilots Association — helped underwrite programming.
Student testimony: Spring Patterson described taking the CNA course and dual‑enrollment anatomy/physiology and how those experiences led to paid positions and eventual nursing degrees; she said the local pathway shortened time to employment and strengthened college readiness.
Why it matters: the programs provide local students with industry‑recognized credentials and transferable college credit, supporting both postsecondary persistence and immediate workforce entry. Borough and grant funding that subsidizes participation removes a financial barrier for families.
Next steps: administrators said they will continue to explore expanding co‑sponsored offerings and work with the district to sustain low or no cost access for qualifying students.
