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What are the Results of this Collaborative Effort?
News: The next meeting will be held in November. Exact date to be announced. Minutes
from the Minutes from all past consortium and committee meetings are available at the Alaska Technical Center (office 231) in Kotzebue, Alaska For more information or to become involved, please e-mail us at highered@otz.net
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Over the past two years people in Northwest Alaska have forged an unprecedented alliance of cooperation and integration that addresses the social and economic development needs of the region. It also ensures that regional post-secondary education meets the needs of an emerging economy that continues to contribute significantly to the state's overall economic health. The Northwest Arctic Higher Education Consortium represents a new beginning for providing high-quality educational services and opportunities. Initially, the potential for the Alaska State Legislature to reduce postsecondary funding in the Northwest Arctic region drove this grassroots effort. Consortium members realized quickly, however, that the issue facing them involved far more than simply finding ways to "save" current programs and institutions. Instead of reactive strategies, the group's focus turned decisively into a proactive exploration of a wide array of proposals involving local and regional cooperative efforts. Northwest
Arctic Higher Education Consortium - Marie
Greene, Consortium Chair Lori Henry, Consortium Coordinator Leadership Team
Committee Chairs
Supporting Organizations
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Website Last Updated Alaska Technical Center |
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In 1999 the Alaska State Legislature promoted a plan for integration of the academic and vocational programs currently offered through the Chukchi Campus and the Alaska Technical Center. The Northwest Arctic Higher Education Consortium was formed to address the Legislature’s concerns. The Consortium determined that the issues are critical even without the pressure from the Legislators. Rather than eliminate ATC or Chukchi, the Consortium chose to promote a collaborative working relationship and suggested that the role of the Consortium would be to provide a forum to discuss the issues and seek solutions. A vision was created for the Consortium to focus the group's efforts. Local volunteers follow an Action Plan with tasks to be completed in a grassroots manner. The mission of the Northwest Arctic Higher Education Consortium is to promote a seamless continuum of higher education and training services that maximize life-long learning opportunities for the people of the Northwest Arctic. The Consortium will:
The Consortium represents the Northwest Arctic Borough School District board and staff, University of Alaska administration and faculty, secondary and post-secondary student leaders as well as local business interests, agencies, tribal governments, and funding organizations. The Consortium has an elected chairperson, working committees, a leadership team, and a coordinator hired on a limited basis. What are the Results of this Collaborative Effort? Strong alliances have been formed as many people have come together to address the issues. The Consortium provides a forum for sharing information and generating ideas with participants who are positive and enthusiastic. Letters and resolutions in support of the Consortium’s efforts have been received from local organizations and businesses. The Consortium is a grassroots local effort that focuses on objectives with the help of an Action Plan. Goals have been set and the Action Plan is being completed which clearly reflects a forward movement and meaningful results. With commitment and hard work much has been accomplished. Local organizations have begun to work together. By networking and sharing information, we have experienced these shared successes:
Both ATC and Chukchi have benefited as a result of the collaboration. The Consortium has:
Additionally, the Consortium has:
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