RAISE PROGRAM

Information

Phone: (907) 729-5015
Fax: (907) 729-5017

RAISE
4201 Tudor Center Drive, Ste. 105
Anchorage, AK 99508

Designed to develop leadership skills in young people, 14-19 years of age, Southcentral Foundation’s RAISE Program provides opportunities for real-life work experience in the context of Native cultural values. The program began in 1997, and now offers three separate sessions per year, each one exposing participants to health-related careers and the expectations of the workplace, while supporting them in both personal and professional development.

The RAISE Program is founded on the belief that every young person wants to succeed and will respond to expectations when given the opportunity. By enhancing the education, life skills, and work ethic of Native youth, the entire Native Community is strengthened.

Features of the Summer Session include:

• Nine weeks, June to August
• Enrollment of approximately 60 youth
• Five worksite placement groups: Administration, Health Careers, Facilities Projects, Literacy Project and Project Management
• Skill building toward personal, career and academic success
• Camping trip with focus on cultural activities: drumming, fishing, elder storytelling, etc.

Features of the Winter Session include:

• Follows the Anchorage School District calendar, September to May
• Enrollment of approximately 10 youth, aged 16-19
• Worksite placements of approximately 20 hours per week, coordinated with academic credit awards
• Support for participants to complete their high school education, while developing good work habits

Features of the Graduate Session include:

• One year duration, September through August
• Enrollment of approximately five participants, aged 17-19, who have achieved a high school diploma or GED
• Placement in a variety of SCF worksites, while also enrolled in at least nine college credits or equivalent
• Encouragement provided to seek a college degree or entry-level employment at SCF at end of session