Did you know that Ford NGL is working in Anchorage, Alaska? Over the past year, our coaching team has been actively engaged with local district and community leaders in their mission to ensure that every student becomes college, career, and life-ready.
Anchorage, while a large district, has managed to retain its close-knit, small-town charm. This is undoubtedly a strength, but even in a district that is close-knit, it is crucial to effectively communicate the rationale driving an education transformation. Then, even when the “why” and the objectives are communicated effectively, it can still be hard to change the way “things have always been done.” Whether it’s a large or small district or a large district with a small town feel, we all know change can be challenging. But, as in Anchorage, when the future of students and the community is the focus, change may take some time, but great things are sure to follow.
What particularly stands out to Scott Palmer, one of our coaches in Anchorage, is the level of community engagement and enthusiasm. The Anchorage community is not just connected but is also eager to participate in education transformation. Their commitment is evident as they recently gathered 300 individuals to create a Portrait of a Graduate! (Amazingly, there were even more individuals interested in attending but unable due to space constraints.) During that session, the community not only crafted their Portrait of a Graduate, they also defined the pathway to a brighter future for the Anchorage School District and the community at large.
Anchorage is initially focusing on Grades 6-12. Academies will be introduced in high school beginning with Freshman Academy slated to open in the fall of 2024. There will also be a focus on career development and service learning for Grades 6-8, with 6th grade moving into the middle school.
Anchorage takes great pride in preserving its unique culture. Often viewed as the “final frontier,” they have their own way of doing things, different from the contiguous United States. Despite aiming for consistency, Anchorage is committed to preserving special programs and engaging tribal corporations as an essential part of their educational journey.
In terms of challenges, Anchorage faces significant outward migration, particularly in the 16-24 age group. This results in a significant talent shortage. Add to that the geographical isolation which makes it harder to attract people to move to Anchorage and often requires substantially higher-wage enticements. Then, even with its breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture, some find it difficult to transition from life as they know it in the lower 48 states.
What we know for sure is that Anchorage has an incredibly connected and passionate community. Like all of our Ford NGL Communities, they want to make sure every student is college, career, and life ready. With that shared vision in mind, we are certain to learn and benefit from their experiences and, as always, our membership will be eager to support their efforts.
For more information, here is a link to the video Anchorage Visioning. You can also check out the resources available on the Academies of Anchorage webpage.
