Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP)

ANCAP: Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology

Program History

As subtly reflected by the Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) program logo, the University of Alaska Anchorage's ANCAP program is the rebirth of a past, similar program known as Alaska Natives into Psychology (ANPsych). The ANCAP program is the revitalization of ANPsych, with a similar yet unique mission.

Program Mission & Goals

In brief, ANCAP seeks to address behavioral and mental health issues and promote wellness among Alaska Native communities. Toward this mission, we strive to accomplish a variety of community- and student-oriented goals, including:

  • Enhance cultural pride and connectedness (i.e., collective self-esteem) among Alaska Native students;
  • Reduce disparities regarding the number of Alaska Native behavioral health researchers, providers, and leaders through recruiting, retaining, and training Alaska Native students in the field of psychology;
  • Enhance the cultural sensitivity, appropriateness, and applicability of behavioral health research and services for Alaska Natives;
  • Provide mentorship and support for members across academic, social, and cultural domains, particularly Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate psychology students; and
  • Engage in outreach efforts to urban and rural high schools, UA campuses, and Alaska Native corporations and communities.

The Alaska Natives into Psychology (ANPsych) Program

ANCAP operates in support of the ANPsych Program, which aims to: 

  • Support Alaska Native and American Indian (AIAN) undergraduate and graduate student mentoring (career, academic, cultural) activities on campus; 
  • Enhance research and service project awards for AIAN undergraduate and graduate students; 
  • Expand scholarships and community partnerships for AIAN PhD students; and 
  • Develop (1) outreach and recruitment efforts to AIAN communities, tribal and rural colleges, and urban and rural high schools, (2) relationships with AIAN health organizations, and (3) activities to facilitate AIAN students’ academic progress. These ANPsych efforts are intended to address health issues, promote wellness, and better serve AIAN communities.

The ANPsych program is directed by Dr. E.J.R. David and is funded by the US Indian Health Service.

For more information, please contact ANPsych.UAA@gmail.com

Join ANCAP Now

Utqiagvik students clown around and pose together

ANCAP Student Grant Opportunity

ANCAP offers competitive Outstanding Student Grants to support undergraduate and graduate student research or service projects in the broad area of behavioral/mental health or psychological experiences that impact Alaska Native or American Indian communities. Click on the image below for grant proposal and eligibility guidelines!

ANCAP grant information with QR code

ANCAP/ANPsych Community Events

Check out the ANCAP/ANPsych Calendar—a great spot for finding webinars and trainings on Indigenous psychology, UA Native Programming events, and Native-focused happenings in Alaska's community. It is also your go-to for the latest on scholarships and grants for Native students. While we strive to keep everything up-to-date, we recommend double-checking event details with the host organization.

Got an event you think should be listed? Email us at ANPsych.UAA@gmail.com and help us keep everyone in the loop!