Della Keats is a four (4) week, residential program for high school students on the UAA Anchorage campus. This program is fully funded, including travel, food, and accommodations. Students will experience university residential life, complete health science-related pre-college coursework, carry out health-related research projects, and complete at least four different medical or health care professional job shadows.

Named after Della Keats, an Alaska Native Inupiaq traditional healer from the Kotzebue region. Della Keats provided both educational and medical services to her people throughout her life, and believed strongly in the importance of expanding, maintaining, and sharing medical knowledge in ways that would benefit both Alaska Native people and the broader Alaskan community. The Della Keats Program is administered by the UAA WWAMI School of Medical Education (Alaska WWAMI). 

"The Della Keats program provided an incredible sense of community that I am still thankful for today."

- Chanmi Joo, Della Keats Alum & WWAMI Medical Student

Eligibility Requirement and Application Considerations

• High school juniors and seniors (incoming and current), including 2024 graduates interested in a career in health care. High school aged students completing their GED are also eligible to apply. 
• Demonstrates interest in health careers, biomedical research, medicine or other health professions.

Application Requirements

• Minimum (1) Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher, Counselor,  Elder or Mentor highlighting applicant’s ability/potential
• Personal Statement Essay
• Academic Transcript (Optional)

Application Deadline

The application deadline is May 1st. Priority review will begin on March 8th, students are strongly encouraged to submit their application prior to the application deadline, as there are limited seats. 

Schedule: 

• • Students move into housing and Program Orientation:  June 16, 2024
  • Program Start:  June 17, 2024
  • Program End:  July 13, 2024
  • Students move out:  July 14, 2024