Alaska launches Career Guide Initiative to support rural education and workforce development
Oct. 17, 2024
No. 24-21
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) are excited to announce the launch of the Alaska Career Guide initiative. This program is designed to provide students in rural Alaska with the support they need to succeed in their postsecondary pathways. The initiative begins with its first Career Guide training session on Oct. 17-18, 2024, at the Atwood Building in Anchorage.
"We're thrilled to launch this initiative, which offers invaluable resources for students in rural Alaska to explore career pathways and build bright futures," said DOLWD Commissioner Cathy Muñoz. "Career Guides will play a pivotal role in helping students navigate the complex process of career planning and access opportunities, ultimately contributing to our state's economic growth."The Alaska Career Guide initiative is a public-private partnership with rootEd Alliance, a national nonprofit that has successfully implemented rural education programs in states such as Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and Idaho. The initiative also includes collaboration with the Bristol Bay Regional Career and Technical Education (BBRCTE) Consortium and Sealaska Heritage Institute to ensure the Career Guide program is deeply rooted in Alaska's unique cultural and regional needs. Career Guides will work closely with schools and students, ensuring that rural students graduate high school prepared for successful careers and long-term economic stability.
Career Guides will provide one-on-one guidance to students, helping them define their postsecondary goals while supporting them through job fairs, career planning, skills development, and financial aid processes. Nationally, the rootEd model has already shown success, with 82% of participating students on track for successful careers, compared to just 41% of their rural peers. The model has also significantly improved college enrollment and FAFSA completion rates.
During last fall's Alaska Workforce Investment Board convening and the ACPE FAFSA Summit, Career Guides were identified as a critical need by a broad group of stakeholders. Additionally, the Alaska Association of School Boards has been leading a Culturally Affirming Career Guides Community of Practice, with over 100 stakeholders participating statewide. This grassroots effort underscores the broad support for career guidance programs across Alaska.
"Career guidance has the power to transform lives by helping students discover pathways that align with their personal goals and the economic opportunities in their communities," said DEED Commissioner Deena M. Bishop. "Through this initiative, we're equipping students with the tools and knowledge they need to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to Alaska's future prosperity."
DOLWD connects Alaskans with good jobs, career and technical training opportunities, and ensures the safety of Alaska's workforce across the state.
DEED provides information, resources and leadership to support over 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to ensure an "Excellent Education for Every Student Every Day."
