Fairbanks school district, UAF expand North Star College partnership

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and ��ķ��Ƶ are expanding the North Star College program, an ongoing partnership that allows students to take college courses at UAF while still in high school.

The Board of Education approved the move on Tuesday, Oct. 18, completing the board’s original vision for the middle college program.

The expansion will increase the number of students that can participate, open enrollment to juniors and seniors in high school, and shift from a minimum of 40 enrolled students to at least 125 students in the 2023-2024 school year. The program was previously open only to high school seniors.

North Star College has been a middle college partnership between the Fairbanks school district and UAF for the past three years. The partnership allows the college to operate within a dedicated space on the university campus, giving students a place to check in, study, or meet between classes.

“UAF is grateful for our continued partnership with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District,” said ��ķ��Ƶ Chancellor Dan White. “Expansion of the North Star College is an important next step in providing a pathway to college for more high school students in our community. We are thankful to the district staff, Chief School Administrator Karen Melin, and the school board.”

Any junior or senior on track to graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA is eligible to apply, including students not currently enrolled in the district. UAF classes are on campus, and students can earn up to 15 tuition-free credits per semester. Participating students will earn both high school and college credits for their UAF classes. Students will be able to take seven-15 credits each semester.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the students in our community. They can earn credit toward high school graduation, take college courses that can lead to a degree, and have the support they need to navigate both worlds,” Melin said.

Eligible students will be entered into a lottery and randomly selected for admission. Families are encouraged to sign up for the upcoming lottery later this year. Enrolled students will start classes in fall 2023.

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CONTACT: Joshua DuVall, school district director of communications, 907-452-2000 ext.11438, joshua.duvall@k12northstar.org